Energy Saving Tips for Summer

After this less than stellar spring, summer is almost here (hopefully), which means using more energy to cool your home and hiking up your utility bill. Stay cool this summer without spending a fortune with these helpful energy-saving tips.

Switch to a programmable thermostat.

Having an automatic thermostat can help you save a lot of money. Set it to a comfortable temperature while you're home, and have it switch to a higher temperature while you're away. The air won't run unnecessarily during the day, but it will be nice and cool by the time you get home.

Seal up drafty windows and doors.

Air leaking through the cracks in your windows and doors is not just a problem for the cold winter. In summer, the hot air will counter your AC unit and force it to run longer and stronger. Old and peeling caulk will cause these leaks so freshen up your windows to make sure no air is coming through.

Close the vents in unused rooms.

You don't want to waste all the cool air circulating in your home on a room no one is ever in. Close up the vents in these rooms and keep the doors closed. You can always open them again if you need to. 

Use ceiling fans to circulate the air.

Who needs a ceiling fan when you have air conditioning, right? Wrong. The AC blows the cold air through a small vent and it takes a long time and a lot of energy to keep a room cool. Use the ceiling fan to circulate the air throughout the space so the AC doesn't have to work as hard. On the cooler days, give the air conditioner a break and open the windows and use the fans blow the fresh air through your home.

Close your blinds and drapes. 

Having the sun shining through the windows sounds lovely, but during the hottest part of the day it will raise the temperature in your home. Keep them open in the morning or at night but when you're away, keep them closed so your AC doesn't have to run.

Cook outside.

Nothing heats up a kitchen more than an oven. Cooking outside will save you from having to crank up the AC while preparing dinner and who doesn't love a barbecue any day of the week? If you really want to take advantage of cooking outside, you can set yourself up with a whole outdoor kitchen.