9 Easy Energy Efficiency Tips to Keep Your Home Cool This Summer

As the temperature rises during the summer, so does the energy used to cool our homes. By implementing a few simple energy efficiency tips, you can keep your home comfortable while reducing your energy consumption and help save on your monthly energy bill. Here are 9 tips to help you stay cool and energy-efficient this summer.

Set It and Forget It

 Install a programmable thermostat to regulate your home's temperature automatically. Set it to higher temperatures when you are asleep and during the hottest parts of the day. This can lead to significant energy savings without sacrificing comfort.

Replace Your Air Filter

 Replacing your air filter is one of the easiest and most effective things you can do to ensure that your A/C runs smoothly and efficiently. Clogged, dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce your air conditioner's ability to absorb heat. Replacing a dirty filter with a clean one can lower your A/C's energy usage by up to 15%. Clean or replace your air conditioning system's filter every month or two for maximum efficiency. Filters need more frequent attention if your A/C is in constant use, is subject to excessive dust, or if you have fur-shedding pets.

Fire Up the Grill

Reduce the temperature inside your home using an outdoor grill or smoker instead of indoor ovens and stoves.

Check Your Air Conditioning

Your air conditioner requires regular maintenance to function efficiently throughout the season of service. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures poor performance and unnecessarily high energy use. In addition, checking the coils, fins, evaporative cooler, and heat pump may require the services of a professional.

Seal Air Leaks

Seal any gaps or cracks around doors, windows, and ducts to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering your home. This simple step can help your cooling system work more efficiently and reduce its strain.

Get an Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier

In hot, humid climates, a dehumidifier is a perfect partner to your A/C and a great way to lower humidity levels in your home. In addition, a dehumidifier helps lower energy costs because your A/C won't have to work as hard. When the air in your home is too humid, your air conditioner is doing double duty—cooling the air and removing moisture.

Supplement or Substitute With A Fan

Ceiling fans are a great way to cool a room. Circulating the air in a room can allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F (-15°C) while maintaining the same comfort level.

Utilize Natural Light

Are you cleaning windows or dusting blinds? Close draperies, blinds, or shades to reduce the extra heat caused by direct sunlight. When cooler weather allows, consider opening windows and turning off your A/C.

Turn Down the Hot Water

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Since there's no need to take long hot showers or baths in the summer, turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting.