As the calendar moves toward the summer months, the weather’s heating up. For many homeowners, that means using more energy and the higher costs that come with it, but you can beat the heat without breaking the bank. By taking the steps on this summer energy checklist, you can prepare your home for the summer heat and save energy during the hot summer months.
Call an Expert
Make this your best summer ever!
Have a trained technician check the performance of your air conditioning system. When you call in a trusted heating and cooling expert to perform an inspection, they will give you a great starting point to evaluate your summer cooling needs. A professional will be able to walk through your home, check your AC system to determine if it’s performing efficiently. A typical system check is around $100.
Keep It Clean
Clean your air conditioning system ducts and replace the filters. Many homeowners use more energy than necessary to cool their homes due to air conditioning ducts and filters that need cleaning. When dirt, dust and debris collect in your ducts, the air conditioning system must work harder and use more energy to cool your home to its desired temperature. Cleaner ducts and filters will allow air to pass through easier, keeping energy costs lower and making your home a healthier place to live.
Make the Switch
Switch your outdoor lighting to LEDs. Using LED lighting in outdoor areas will save energy, and therefore money, not only in the summer but all year as well. With development in LED and wireless technology, you can use more energy efficient lights in walking paths and as security lighting in many outdoor areas. Check out these nifty Wireless Outdoor LED lights that can mounted anywhere around the the structure of your home or yard.
Get ready to grill!
Block the Heat
Cut cooling costs by using heat control window film. Installing heat control window film is a cheap way to save a huge amount of energy. It can save you up to 50% when it comes to cooling costs. Such film rejects as much as 67% of glare from the sun in addition to as much as 99% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. An additional benefit is that heat control film will actually reduce the amount of fading that occurs on furniture placed close to windows. A great heat control film is made by Gila. Learn more about the heat control film by Gila here.
Cool Your Top
Install an attic fan for ventilation to reduce the load on your air conditioning system. As previously mentioned in regard to air conditioning ducts, your home will use less energy when the air conditioner is allowed to work efficiently. Installing an attic fan to increase ventilation will make life easier on your AC unit by reducing the amount of energy needed to cool the hot air upstairs.
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Made in the Shade
Plant a tree for shade. Windows play a big role in how warm or cool a home can be, and hotter rooms take more energy to cool. Strategically planting a tree that provides shades to a sun facing window will help to keep your home cooler. Since heat rises, this is particularly true of tall trees that can help to shade the windows of higher floors. The additional shade will again make it easier for your air conditioner to do its job, saving both energy and money.
Get Ready to Grill…
Enjoy the summer…
Ensure your grill is ready. If you’re like us, you prefer to cook outside in the summer when the weather is nice, and the delicious taste of grilled food is hard to beat. Gas grills are notorious for having their lines clogged with spider webs and debris. What you think is a major issue with your gas grill, is usually a clogged line. Clean and check all gas lines for blockages, with a gas burner tube brush, to ensure the best results for your backyard barbecues.
Enjoy the Summer!
As a homeowner, you want to enjoy the summer months. Prepare yourself for the heat this year. Use this simple homeowner’s summer energy checklist to make small improvements that will help you save energy and money, while keeping your home cool and having a great time, all summer long.
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