August 09, 2023

As the sun beats down relentlessly, keeping energy costs under control during the scorching summer months becomes an essential priority for many households. Running air conditioners and other cooling appliances can significantly impact energy bills. However, with a few simple adjustments and conscious habits, you can beat the heat while keeping energy expenses in check. Today, we will explore some effective strategies to help you maintain a comfortable home without breaking the bank.

Optimize Your Thermostat Settings

A significant portion of your energy bill is attributed to cooling your living spaces. To cut down these costs, use your thermostat wisely. Set it to the highest temperature that still feels comfortable for you and your family. Every degree you raise your thermostat can lead to substantial energy savings. Additionally, consider using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you're away from home or sleeping. This way, you won't waste energy cooling an empty house.

Utilize Fans Efficiently

Fans are a cost-effective way to enhance comfort and reduce the burden on your air conditioner. Ceiling fans create a cooling breeze that can make a room feel more comfortable, allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher. Remember to turn off fans when you leave a room, as they cool people, not spaces. To optimize their efficiency, make sure the fan blades are clean and rotating in the right direction (counter-clockwise during the summer).

Practice Energy-Efficient Cooking

Using your oven or stovetop on hot summer days can heat up your living space significantly, making your air conditioner work harder. Instead, opt for outdoor cooking on the grill or prepare meals that require little to no cooking. Use small kitchen appliances, like microwaves and toaster ovens, which generate less heat and consume less energy than conventional ovens.

Strategically Time Your Chores

Appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers generate heat when running. Avoid using them during the hottest parts of the day. Instead, schedule these chores for the evening or early morning when temperatures are cooler. Moreover, consider air-drying clothes instead of using the dryer to save on energy costs.

Utilize Natural Ventilation

Take advantage of cooler evening temperatures by opening windows and allowing fresh air to circulate through your home. This natural ventilation can help reduce indoor temperatures and give your air conditioner a well-deserved break.

Properly Maintain Your Cooling System

A well-maintained air conditioning system operates more efficiently, saving you money in the long run. Regularly change air filters, clean the outdoor unit, and have your system professionally serviced annually. A properly functioning AC unit consumes less energy while providing better cooling.

With the heat of summer in full swing, keeping energy costs low requires a combination of smart habits and conscious choices. Implementing these practical tips can significantly impact your energy bill while maintaining a comfortable living environment. By being mindful of your energy usage and making some adjustments to your daily routine, you can not only beat the summer heat but also keep your wallet happy. Let's make this summer both enjoyable and energy-efficient!

As an Energy Plus home, your Caviness & Cates home is designed to not only be more energy efficient, but also help reduce your home’s carbon footprint from the use of green building practices, energy-efficient appliances, and water conservation systems. Enjoy knowing you are saving on average 15% to 30% on utilities each month due to our homes being more energy efficient than typically built homes. Here are some ways we ensure your home is meeting the best standards:

•  Insulation installed makes 6 points of contact when installed vertically on exterior walls and also horizontally through floor cavities.

• All conditioned to unconditioned space has blocking installed and is sealed off completely.

• All exterior doors have proper weather-stripping installed and all windows/exterior doors are air sealed tight to framing members.

•  All insulation that is installed is rated a minimum RESNET-defined grade II or better.

Learn more about our Energy Plus homes by clicking HERE.