When temperatures climb, your air conditioner works overtime and your energy bill often follows. The good news is that many of the most effective ways to save are simple, inexpensive and quick to put in place.
Your cooling system is the biggest energy user in most homes during hot weather. Keep it efficient by:
Ceiling fans make a room feel cooler by moving air across your skin. In warm months, set them to spin counterclockwise so they push air downward. Turn them off when you leave a room, since fans cool people, not spaces.
A programmable or smart thermostat can raise the temperature automatically while you are away or asleep and cool things down before you return. Even nudging the setting up a couple of degrees can make a noticeable difference in your bill.
Small gaps around doors, windows and attic access points let cool air escape. Fresh caulk and weatherstripping are inexpensive fixes. Checking attic insulation is also worthwhile, since a poorly insulated attic can send heat straight into your living space.
Windows facing south and west tend to take in the most heat during the afternoon. Close blinds, shades or curtains during peak hours, or consider reflective film or insulated window treatments for rooms that get especially warm.
Exterior shade helps too. Awnings, patio covers and well-placed trees or tall shrubs on the sunny sides of your home can block heat before it ever reaches the glass.
Ovens, dryers and dishwashers add heat to your home. When you can, run them in the early morning or evening. Grilling outdoors, using a microwave or air-drying dishes can also help on the hottest days.
Small habits add up as well. Unplug chargers and electronics you are not using, switch to LED bulbs, which give off far less heat than older bulbs, and run your bathroom exhaust fan after showers to clear out warm, humid air.
If you plan to stay in your home for a while, bigger improvements may pay off over time:
Some upgrades may qualify for utility rebates or other incentives, depending on where you live and the rules in effect at the time. Check with your utility company and a tax professional before you buy.
If an energy upgrade is a bigger project than your savings can cover, home equity may be one way to fund it. A HELOC or a cash-out refinance could help, depending on your situation. Reach out to FLO Mortgage to talk through your options.
A FLO Mortgage loan officer can walk through your options, run real numbers and help you choose a loan that fits.
This article is for general education and is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines and program availability. FLO Mortgage, Company NMLS #1835856. Equal Housing Opportunity.
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