How to Lower Your Energy Bill and Prep Your Home for Summer Savings

One of the worst things about summer is your energy bill. If you have an old, inefficient air conditioner or an old, drafty house, it can really wreak havoc on your finances. However, there are some things you can do to prep your home for summer savings and lower your energy bill.

Add weather stripping

If you’ve got gaps in doors and windows, you might as well slip some dollar bills in there because the cool air that is escaping is like money slipping through the cracks. However, you can easily solve this problem by adding weather stripping. Apply the stripping to the top, bottom and sides of doors as well as along your window frames. You can also apply this to old windows and other parts of the house where the elements might be getting into your home and causing your air conditioner to work overtime.

Add insulation

Most people think of insulation as something that keeps your home warm in the winter. But it also helps keep things cool in the summer. In terms of saving on cooling bills, it’s more important to add insulation in your walls instead of in the attic. Check with the homeowner’s association in your area to find out if you have insulation or not. Most new homes already do, but old homes sometimes need to have insulation added to keep the cool air in and the warm air out during the summer.

Get your air conditioner serviced

For your air conditioning unit to run at its peak performance and do the best job of keeping your house cool during the summer, it needs to be in tip top shape. Before the heat of summer rolls around, make sure to have your air conditioner serviced. An HVAC technician can change the filter, replace worn fuses and perform other necessary maintenance. If you’re air conditioner is working too hard, it could cause your air conditioner to break down or drive your electricity bill through the roof.

Install a programmable thermostat

One of the biggest reasons for high cooling costs during the summer is the inability to control the temperature. For example, you may shut your air conditioner off during the day while you are gone and then turn it on again when you get home. However, your AC has to work really hard to cool your house again after it heats up during the day. With a programmable thermostat, you can set it at a maximum temperature so that it comes on if the house gets too hot. You can also set it to go to a lower temperature an hour or so before you come home so you can come home to a comfortable house. This is a great way to keep the temperature cool only while you are at home. You can leave the house a little warmer while you’re gone. That way you can save money on costs you would otherwise be paying for if you didn’t have a programmable thermostat.

Store rainwater for summer use

Just when it is scarce, it is more needed! This is a dilemma to most household during summer, when the intensity of water need rises up. Summer times mean water restrictions in many areas, thus prepping up before summer is the best solution. Collecting rainwater is free and comes in handy when the necessity arises. It is best to install a rainwater catchment system (experts from www.supatank.com.au can help you determine what’s best for you) that suits your household. Gathered rainwater can be used to water your gardens, clean your garage, helps your laundry water needs, etc. All you have to do is connect piping and hoses to where it is needed. As a result, you save on your water bills, plus coping up during water restrictions.”

Limit use appliances that produce heat

Adding extra heat to your home by running your dryer, oven or dishwasher will make it difficult to keep it cool. Use these appliances sparingly or not at all during the summer. Hang clothes out to dry. If you don’t have a dry line, it takes only minutes to create one. Also try hand washing the dishes after dinner instead of using the dishwasher after every meal. Lastly, try using the grill instead of using the oven. This can be a fun weekly activity for the family to get outside and enjoy the warm summer months. Limit the use of any appliances that increase the heat in your home. Not only will it decrease your electricity usage since you won’t be using your AC to keep your house cool, but it will also reduce yournatural gasbill by lessening the usage of some of these appliances.