During the summer months, we're all looking for ways to save energy and money without sacrificing comfort. From keeping window blinds closed and running certain appliances at night to optimizing thermostat temperatures throughout the day, these tips can help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
1. Built-In Energy Efficiency
We build Starlight homes with energy efficiency top of mind. Between new, energy-friendly appliances and quality construction with sealed insulation and superior airflow, owning a Starlight home makes saving on your energy bill easy. By adding a few mindful practices to your home life during the hotter season, you can beat the heat without breaking a sweat.
2. Use Your Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans take much less energy than air conditioning units and can make a room feel up to eight degrees cooler. However, they don’t actually cool the room temperature at all. So to get the most benefit out of your fans, only turn on the ceiling fan in a room that’s in use. Running a ceiling fan in an empty room will only add to your energy bill.
Pro tip: during the summer, make sure your ceiling fans rotate counterclockwise to create a downdraft of cooler air. If your fan is spinning clockwise, it will create an updraft and push warm air down.
3. Add Window Treatments
Using blinds, shades, or curtains is another easy way to keep your energy bill in check. When the sun is at its peak, keeping your curtains or blinds shut can help keep your house cooler. However, the effectiveness of curtains will depend upon the fabric type. Choosing medium-colored draperies with white plastic backings can reduce heat gain by up to 33%.
4. Avoid Using the Stove on Hot Days
When temperatures are soaring, consider cooking outside on a grill or making a meal that doesn’t require a stove or oven. When you use the stove, you only add more heat to your home and work against your AC unit. If you need to use your stove, cook during the early morning or night, and use your microwave during peak heat.
5. Do Some Household Chores at Night
If you can, try waiting to run your dishwasher or dryer until nighttime when temperatures are cooler. These appliances will make your house warmer while they run, so by waiting for nightfall, you won’t put as much strain on your AC unit. Your electricity rate may even be lower at night than during the day, which can help you save on energy costs.
6. Optimize Your Thermostat
Having a tight temperature schedule on your thermostat can be one of your utility bill's most significant saving factors. During the morning and night, set the temperature lower, but during the afternoon or while you're out of the house, set your thermostat higher than normal to reduce energy usage. A programmable thermostat, installed in every Starlight home, can help you to do this automatically.
Owning a Starlight home gives you the opportunity to save big on your utility bill during the summer and the winter. To take the first step in the homebuying process, get in touch to schedule an appointment with one of our Home Guides.
