Summer is here, and with it comes the seemingly inevitable skyrocketing energy bills. Between the need to keep your air conditioning going and the ever-rising cost of energy, you may be dreading your energy bills this summer more than ever. However, you have the power to slash your summer energy costs.
The following tips include major and minor adjustments you can make to reduce your energy costs. The major projects require an initial investment but have potentially large payouts. You can make the minor adjustments quickly and without much, if any, money up front, and still see benefits in the form of a lower energy bill.
1. Put in Energy-Efficient Roofing
With the sun beating down on your home’s roof all summer long, an energy-efficient roofing system can definitely save you money. While this option may be an expensive one, it’s a beneficial long term investment that will result in money saved no matter the season.
If you’re looking to install a new roof, metal roofing is one of the most energy-efficient roofing option you can choose for your home. Metal roofing contractors can help you with roof installation or roof replacement. Metal roofing reflects sun rays from the surface of the roof, resulting to less heat absorbed by your home. Metal roofing contractors usually have an array of sleek and attractive metal roofing selection that adds beauty to your home.
2. Seal Up the Cracks
There is no point in getting a contractor to complete your metal roofing installation if cracks in your home are letting in the hot air without trapping the cool air. Your home may be leaking air year-round through windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures. Caulk and seal any site that seems to be leaking air.
3. Replace Your AC
If your air conditioner is old, it may be time for a new one. A newer system can be more effective and more energy efficient, allowing you to be more comfortable while you pay lower energy bills.
Choose an Energy Star air conditioner. Appliances such as air conditioners, marked with the coveted energy star are certified to have lower energy needs than other products. Replacing your old energy inefficient and outdated appliances can help you save heaps of money when it comes to your energy bills.
4. Install a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat can help you turn off the air conditioning when you do not need, keeping you from throwing money down the drain. These programmable thermostats can also be set to auto-adjust based on the temperature outside. Newer programmable thermostats are also intuitive, adjusting the temperature based on current occupancy. Set the thermostat to be warmer when nobody is home, such as during work hours.
5. Turn Off Appliances and Utilize Natural Lighting
By simply turning off the power of your appliances or your lights when they are not in use, you can save big on electricity. The summer sun often gives off enough light to keep your house feeling bright and cheerful without keeping on a bunch of lights.
If you’re looking for permanent energy saving techniques, you should consider installing skylight windows for your home. Skylights are a great way to let natural light in your home, especially when it comes to dark areas you need a lot of lighting for. Consider skylight installation for your kitchen, bathroom, library or attic rooms. If you already have skylights and you think they might be in need of repairs, call your local Northern Virginia roofing contractors to assess the integrity of your skylights and conduct necessary repairs.
6. Put in Energy-Saving Bulbs
You can save a lot of money on your lighting costs by replacing traditional bulbs with high-efficient energy-saving bulbs. The government’s Energy Star program estimates that each LED bulb that replaces a traditional incandescent bulb saves $6 per year. These new bulbs are also brighter, long-lasting, and cooler, therefore less likely to cause fires.
7. Unplug Appliances
It may not make intuitive sense, but even appliances that are off draw power when they are plugged in. This unnecessary “vampire power” is contributing to your energy costs. Reduce your excess costs by unplugging appliances that you are not using. Examples include lamps, cellphone chargers, and television sets.
8. Use Fans and Nature
The nights may feel hot, but the hottest summer nights have some cool air. Take advantage of it by opening the windows in the early mornings and late evenings, when the air is coolest. Turn on your fans to draw the cool air in and force the hot air out of your house. When possible, place fans on the shady side of the house when the outside air is coolest.
There are many ways to save money on electricity, especially during the summer time. As with all good practices, the key is consistency. If you start with small beneficial habits such as turning off lights and appliances that are not currently in use and shutting doors and windows to keep the cold AC air in, you can save heaps of money in the long run.
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