Energy-Saving Tips for Summer: Our Top 6 Hacks

With the summer heat at a record high, I thought this would be the perfect time to share my most efficient energy-saving tips for summer to cool down the house and ways to maintain it during these excruciating summer months.

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If you live in the south like me, the heat can sometimes feel like the closest thing to hell. Which can also cause the energy bill to skyrocket. Here are my top five clever household hacks to keep that energy bill at its lowest, while not having to crank up the AC.

1. Use Ceiling Fans

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Circulating fresh air around the home using a ceiling fan can reduce the pressure from your air conditioning system. Specifically, during the summer months, it is best for your fan to spin quickly in the counterclockwise direction. Doing this pushes air down and creates a cool breeze.

It also helps keep a room at temperature and reduces the need for an air conditioner consistently and inconsistently running.

2. Insulate/Seal/Block Windows and Doors

Your home may have poor insulation, which could be the #1 reason why it gets super hot/cold inside during the different seasons. In my opinion, this is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to keep the cool air in your house. While there are a vast majority of ways, here are five easy ways to insulate and protect the air in your home to decrease that electric bill. This is the most effective energy-saving tip for summer. I’ve noticed a drastic change in keeping the cool air in my home after sealing windows and doors.

3. Energy-saving Curtains/Blinds

Make sure to close blinds or buy black-out curtains. This blocks out access to sunlight that will come through. The darker the color, the better. The key is to make sure they’re installed to hang as close to the glass as possible. Heat will enter through the glass but curtains close to the glass reduce the chance of any heat getting through.

4. Raise the Temperature on Your Thermostat

Setting the temperature low on your thermostat can save you hundreds of dollars on your energy bill every year. Every summer, the U.S. Department of Energy suggests that when at home, 78 degrees fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for staying cool and keeping your energy bill at its lowest.

5. Switch Off Appliances

You’d be surprised at the amount of waste heat the appliances around your house generate. Turning off and unplugging unused appliances can drop numbers in your energy bill every month. Also, avoid using unnecessary items, for instance, hand-wash your dishes vs using your dishwasher. Or hanging your clothes to dry vs using a dryer. Use these appliances as the sun goes down, and it will not only keep the house cool but cut back on your costs as well.

6. Clean Your AC Filters Regularly

If you live in an apartment, like myself, then this is typically something your local maintenance man would normally take care of. Which is something they should be doing regularly. In a house, if your AC isn’t working correctly, then it might be time to change the air filter. If your air filter is clogged or filthy, it makes your AC work harder and impacts indoor air quality. It can lead to allergies, inefficient warming, and raise your electric bill. It’s recommended to clean your filter every two weeks and replace it every four months.

Always remember to keep it simple. The smaller your place is the lower the costs. Turn things off when you’re not using them. Use LED lights and if you absolutely have to use appliances, use energy-saving ones. Following these steps will put more money in your pockets. Have any suggestions not listed? Comment them below!

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