Energy Star found that nearly half of your home’s energy is used for heating ad cooling. Here are 10 tips to keep your home cool this summer without over-running your HVAC system:
Paint Your Roof
According to a study conducted by Heating Island Group at Berkley Lab, homes with black roofs require up to 40% more energy to cool a home. Although it may seem like a heavy-duty task, painting your roof can be simple, cheap, and has the additional benefits of increasing your roof’s life span and water resistance. You can purchase an inexpensive white elastomeric coating and heavy duty paint rollers at most hardware stores. Apply 2-3 coats on your roof for best results.
Upgrade Your AC System
Installing an energy efficient AC system in your home is the best long-term solution to keep energy costs low while adding value and efficiency to your home. The investment of a new AC system can save you big in the long run; an outdated HVAC system will lead to costly repairs, expensive utility bills, decreased home comfort, and poor indoor air quality. Request that your new AC system is installed in the shade – an AC unit in direct sunlight will use more energy. Action Air Buyer’s Guide for New AC System. will give you all the tools to make sure you are getting the best product for the best price.
Change Your Air Filter Regularly
Changing your HVAC’s air filter is the most important self-maintenance you can do to save on utility bills, keep your HVAC system running smoothly, extend the lifespan of your cooling/heating system, and keep your home’s air quality healthy.
Switch to Solar
You can cut your utility bills down as much as 50% by switching to solar PV panels. Not only does solar powered energy save you huge on utility costs, it enables homeowners to become independent from utility companies, adds value to your home, and is a renewable source of energy that helps save the environment. The benefits of switching to solar are endless. Now is the time to make the switch with all the current financing options, state rebates, and federal tax incentives available.
Clean Around Your AC Unit
Make sure your AC unit is not being suffocated by debris or leaves. Blockages to the AC compressor and restrict airflow and make your AC work twice as hard. It will also help keep your increase your indoor air quality and help keep those AC filters clean.
Install Ceiling Fans
Although ceiling fans won’t solely keep your home comfortable in the midst of the summer heat, they help circulate cool air throughout your home and also enables the homeowner to turn off the AC during the cooler parts of the day or at night. Installing a fan in your attic will help prevent the hot, stuffy air from leaking into the rest of your home and reduce cooling costs.
Control Your Thermostat
Being conscience of how often your AC is running is a key component in keeping your cooling costs low. Smart thermostats are the most convenient way to control the temperature in your home that is conducive to your lifestyle. All you need to do is enter settings based on the season, your schedule, and preferred temperature. The Smart Thermostat does the rest. With Smart Thermostats and an Energy Efficient AC unit, you can you keep your home comfortable at the lowest price.
Run Your Appliances While temperatures are Cool
Your dishwasher, clothes dryer and stove add extra heat to the house. If you run these appliances during the day when temperatures are cooler, in the morning or evening, it will prevent your AC from working harder.
Seal Air Duct Leaks
Air duct sealing will eliminate this air loss and the corresponding energy loss – lowering your energy consumption and your power bills. If you are upgrading your HVAC system, having your ducts sealed first may allow you to install a smaller system, increasing your savings.
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