With summer heat almost here, you need to get a plan ready to keep your home cool without astronomical utility bills. It is possible. Start with these 10 tips for summer energy savings:

Schedule a Professional HVAC Tune-Up

In the fall and spring, your HVAC system needs a professional tune-up. This service helps the system maintain summer energy savings, fix minor issues, and extend the unit’s lifespan. The increased energy efficiency can help you reduce expenses on your monthly utility bills and costly repairs when minor concerns become big headaches.

Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

An upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat allows you to increase the temperature in your home while you’re gone, and then you can turn the air back on before you arrive, so you’re always comfortable. You can program your schedule, and some smart thermostats learn your schedule and do the work for you.

Seal Windows and Doors

You don’t want to pay to cool the outdoors. If you have leaks around your doors and windows, that’s what you’re doing. You can seal the gaps with weatherstripping or caulk. This ensures the cool air stays inside and the hot air outside, so your system doesn’t have to work as hard.

Keep Blinds and Curtains Closed

Sunlight makes you feel warm and energized. It can also heat up your home and force your air conditioner to work harder to keep your house cool. During the hotter months, you need to keep your blinds and curtains closed, especially during the hottest and brightest times of the day. When your system doesn’t have to work as hard to cool your home, you’re saving money.

Use Ceiling Fans Wisely

While ceiling fans don’t actually cool the air in a room, they move the cooled air from an air conditioner around the space, making it feel cooler. You can use your ceiling fans during summer to help your family feel less muggy at higher temperatures, lowering your energy costs. However, always remember to turn off the ceiling fan when you leave the room.

Upgrade Your Air Filter

Your HVAC system’s first line of defense is its air filter. The filter blocks debris and allergens from getting into the system and causing damage. You should change your air filter between one and three months, depending on the allergens in the home, such as pets, smoking, and more. You can also splurge on HEPA or electrostatic filters that eliminate more debris.

Avoid Heat-Generating Activities During the Day

Ovens, dryers, and dishwashers can heat up your home and force your air conditioner to run more often. You should only use these appliances in the early morning and late evening. Summer is a great time for grilling in the backyard and hanging your wash out to dry.

Add Insulation or Shade to Your Home

If your home lacks sufficient insulation, adding some can significantly reduce your utility bills year-round. You can also plant trees that will later add shade to your home to keep it cooler without the extra expense of running your HVAC system.

Close Off Unused Rooms

Do you have an unused bedroom or an office that never gets used? Give us a call so we can help you effectively redirect air to other parts of your house.

Consider a High-Efficiency HVAC Upgrade

If your HVAC system is 10 years old or older, there is definitely a more energy-efficient model on the market. You can save money in the long run by replacing your system now instead of waiting until it fails. You may even find that there are rebates or incentives to offset the costs.

Maximize Your Summer Energy Savings

When you make a plan, you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort for a reasonable electric bill. You can pick one or two or all of these tips to cut costs on power consumption this summer. Are you ready to get started? Contact us at Capital City Comfort Solutions today.