Summer Home Energy Saving Tips, Includes, Energy Efficient Windows

We often think of the cold weather months for saving on our energy bills but there

are some things we can do in the summer as well. From simple things like setting your thermostat, pulling your shades and changing to energy efficient replacement windows, we can keep more money in our pockets this summer.

Air Conditioner Filter:

Always, check your air conditioner's filter every time you receive your utility bill. Look for a dust build-up that can restrict the airflow and place stress on the system. This added stress places wear and tear on the unit, and increases operation costs. Filters can be washable or disposable. Most hardware stores carry inexpensive, fiberglass filters that are disposable. Measure the existing filter or filter opening. You want to buy the proper fitting filter. If fitting is not correct, it will not filter the debris. It is best to keep several filters on hand.

Check the Setting on your Thermostat:

You can save more energy by setting the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher for the most energy efficient operation. Each degree below this setting adds 6% to your cooling costs. Use a programmable thermostat to routinely raise the inside temperature while you are at work or routinely away from home for 4 hours or longer.

Pre-set your thermostat to adjust back to your normal comfort range 1/2 hour before arriving back home. This automatic adjustment reduces the cumulative operation of the air conditioner while you are away, and eliminates any discomfort when you arrive home.

Adjust the Water Heater:

Adjust the water heater and save. Decreasing the water heater temperature from 140 degrees to 120 can help save up to $85 per year. A setting of 120 degrees is sufficient for most household needs. If you head out of town, turn it off entirely. There’s no need to heat unused water. Plus, once turned back on, most models will reheat the water to the set temperature in about an hour.

Use Fans and Ventilation Strategies to Cool Your Home:

Use fans to move the air inside your home. If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort. Use of ceiling fan gives the sensation that it is 5 degrees cooler than the actual temperature.

Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect. Shade windows on the sunny side of your home, keeping the drapes closed or add room-darkening shades to block out the heat from the sun.

Purchase Energy Saving Replacement Windows:

One great way to conserve is to replace your homes windows with energy saving windows.

Energy saving windows have certain features that are made to reduce energy waste in one way or another. These features include; multiple glazing, thickness of air space, Gas filled, Tinted glass, Low-e, and edge spacers. Any of these features will affect the energy performance rating, which is displayed on the window when you purchase it. Replacing your old windows with energy saving windows will insulate your home up to 4 times more than the old windows you have now. This will save you money and our environment in the long run. Choosing the right window can be confusing and your energy-saving window contractor can help you find the right choice of windows for you.

Energy savings isn’t just for the winter. These energy saving tips and changes will make this summer more comfortable and keep more of your hard earned dollars in your pocket.