Summer is a beautiful season, but it comes with a price — ruthless heat. With high temperatures comes high utility bills. Fortunately, there are several ways you can reduce your monthly bills without breaking a sweat. In this article, we discuss four simple ways to save on energy bills during the summer — which will also help you lower your carbon footprint and increase your home’s resale value.
1. Invest in ENERGY STAR Doors and Windows
Replace your old windows and doors with ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors. ENERGY STAR windows are certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). This designation means windows meet the strict energy efficiency specifications established by the U.S Department of Energy (DOE). New ENERGY STAR windows can help you save in the following ways:
- It Saves Energy and Money. These windows and doors lower household utility bills by an average of 12 percent nationwide. Lower energy consumption lessens the emissions of greenhouse gas from homes and power plants. It lowers energy bills and saves you money.
- It Cools Overheated Spaces. These certified windows and doors keep your home’s temperature cool and allows you to stay comfortable. The right seal prevents any air from leaking, and double paned ENERGY STAR glass reduces the sun’s ability to heat the room.
- It Protects Your Valuables. UV sun rays damage furniture, drapes, carpets, and floors. ENERGY STAR certified windows and doors have low-emissivity (or Low E) coatings to protect your valuables.
- It Shields You and Your Family from the Summer Heat. The certified windows and doors reduce the heat gain into your home without reducing the visible light.
The right windows installed by professionals like the experts at Centennial Windows & Doors will help you save on energy costs and will also lower your carbon footprint, making upgrading your windows a win-win.
2. Use a Smart Thermostat
Install a programmable thermostat so that you can control temperatures even when you aren’t home. If you and your family don’t stay at home during the day, you can program your thermostat to reduce the temperature in your house by a few degrees before you arrive home, preventing you from cranking the AC as soon as you get in, or worse, leaving the AC on all day while you’re gone.
3. Use Your Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans can reduce energy costs by 20-30%. Make sure you turn your ceiling fan counter-clockwise to create a cooling wind during summer. If the heat is not too high, you can even turn off the air conditioner altogether.
4. Check Your Insulation
The use of proper insulation in your home can save you from 10-50% on your utility bills. Check your insulation to make sure there aren’t any leaks, and you can double check your ductwork for air leaks, too. For more tips on the role insulation plays on your utility bills, read more here. But remember: this type of work isn’t for weekend warriors, so have a professional check your house for air leaks if you are not sure how to do it.
Enjoy your summer by saving on utility bills while maintaining your comfort, but whether you’re installing new windows in Ontario or replacing insulation in Illinois, always be sure to trust a professional company that stands by its work.
