For those who live in a climate that gets very warm in the summer, you likely see a huge jump in your utility usage and your subsequent utility bills during this time. And while some of this is expected, what you’re paying and using can likely be reduced with just a little additional effort on your part.
To help you see how this can be done, here are three ways to reduce your utility usage and bills during the heat of the summer.
Prioritize Your Ventilation Options
In most places, the evenings cool off enough so that you don’t have to have your air conditioner cranked all the way up in order to be comfortable. So if this is the situation for you, you should be thinking about what you can do tonight and during the morning to help use less energy to keep your home cool.
By opening your doors and windows at night, you’ll let cooler air in and flush hotter air out. Then, the next morning, you can better prioritize your ventilation options. Ideally, Austin Lichtenstein, a contributor to SmartEnergy.com, shares that you should start with using natural ventilation, like opening your windows again to let in the cooler morning air. If this doesn’t suffice, try using fans to get some air movement. And when this isn’t working to keep you cool anymore, then use your air conditioner. By prioritizing in this way, you should be able to use less energy and spend less money on cooling costs.
Protect Yourself From The Sun
The best way to keep your home cooler is to not allow it to heat up too much in the first place. To do this, you should seek out ways to protect your home from getting too much sun.
One way you can do this if you own your home is to plant shady trees on your property. You could also try installing sunscreens on your windows to let less sunlight and heat in. But if you’re a renter, the best option for you, according to Caroline Burke, a contributor to The Bustle, is to put up thick curtains to add insulation around windows and block excessive light from coming in.
Seal Everything Up
Once you’ve gotten your home to a temperature you’re comfortable with, you’ll want to make it easier for your home to maintain that temperature without having to use a ton of energy to do it.
To accomplish this, Lauren R., a contributor to This Old House, recommends that you seal up any small openings in your home so that there’s minimal airflow. Doing things like using a draft blocker around exterior doors and putting film or weather stripping around your windows can help with this.
If your utility bills get higher than you’d like in the summer, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you use less energy and still keep cool.
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