Summer is right around the corner and with it, heat. Now is the time when thoughts go to the impending utility bill that will be coming and reflecting just how harsh the summer weather will be. Unfortunately many homeowners don't think about cutting energy costs until we are in the heat of it.
There are a few steps that every homeowner can take to help cut some of the cooling costs.
- You should have your HVAC system inspected to ensure efficiency. A system that leaks, wastes energy as well as money.
- Clean the filter of your air conditioner once a month. When the filter is dirty it works the unit too hard and can cause long term damage and problems down the road.
- If there are areas of your house that you don't use often that can be closed off do it. If you have a spare room or home office that isn't used daily close the vents, curtains, and doors. By closing off unused spaces you direct the air into the areas that are used allowing the air conditioner to cool those spaces more efficiently.
- One of the great things about summer months is all the natural light. The problem with natural light is that it also brings with it the heat. Rooms with more natural light coming in are going to be warmer which means they require more cooling. By closing blinds and drapes a room's temperature can be dropped by as much as 10 degrees. You might also consider installing awnings over windows that receive a lot of direct sunlight.
- If you have drafts coming into your home around doors and windows during the winter months those same areas are letting hot air in during the summer months. Check your home for drafts and seal them with the proper insulation. Check that your fireplace damper is closed as well this is another place that cool air from your home can escape. Caulk and seal the areas where plumbing, electricity, vents and other appliances come into your home. Fill in any gaps around your chimney and weather strip around drafty doors and windows.
- Run your appliances like the dishwasher and clothes dryer at night instead of during the day. These appliances create a lot of heat and moisture which can make a home more uncomfortable on hot days and will cause the air conditioner to work even harder to make the home comfortable.
- When lights are not being used shut them off, they produce heat causing the air conditioner to work harder. Switching to CFLs from incandescent bulbs can be helpful; CFLs produce less heat and are more energy efficient.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat will allow you to set the air conditioner to run at different temperatures throughout a 24 hour period. If no one is home during the day the temperature in the house can be warmer saving you in energy costs. The programmable thermostat can then be set to cool the house down for when everyone returns home in the evening. This is much more cost effective than keeping an empty house cool all day.
- Install ceiling fans where appropriate and then use them. A ceiling fan helps to move the air in the room and cool you off. The fan should be set to blow in a counterclockwise direction during the summer so that the cool air will blow down.
- Check your air conditioner condenser, the outdoor unit, make sure that it is in a shady location and that it has room to expel the heated air that it removes from the house. There should be no trees, shrubs, or plants crowding it.
- Light colors on the exterior of the house are better, dark colors tend to absorb the heat. If you are looking at house plans and building a new home or repainting or siding a current home, this is something to keep in mind.
- Check that your attic is vented properly. Vents in the eaves of a home will allow cool air to enter the attic space. Ridge vents and attic fans can also help to reduce costs.
By putting some of these easy steps into practice you can beat the heat while cutting costs and save on energy as well as money no matter what the size or style of your house plans.
No comments:
Post a Comment