It’s no secret that the temperatures in Texas spike in late spring and steadily rise throughout the summer all the way into the fall. Sometimes the Texas heat can be unbearable, and it can even put a strain on your house in a multitude of ways. So, what are some home tips that you can implement this summer to keep the heat out and keep your house comfortable and protected? These energy-saving home tips for summer include some crucial steps you can take to increase efficiency and save money on your utility bill in the long run!
Energy-Efficient Window Treatments
Certain window treatments can block out the hot Texas sun and lower your utility bill thanks to their energy-efficient design. One great option for energy-efficient window treatment is the Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Shades which are specially crafted to curb aggressive UV rays, protecting your furniture and valuables – and are particularly effective on patios and sunrooms. Another way to lower your energy consumption is by investing in motorized window treatments. Motorization allows you to schedule when your window treatments open and close, helping to keep the harsh Texas sun from heating your home during the hottest times of the day.
HVAC Inspection
Did you know that having your HVAC system inspected annually or bi-annually can also save you money on energy costs over time? If your air conditioner isn’t clean or running properly, it could be using way more energy than it needs to be, resulting in a large energy bill that wasn’t necessary. A yearly HVAC inspection will ensure that your entire system is running efficiently. If it is determined that you need to replace your system, the newer HVAC models are much more efficient these days and will end up saving you money on your energy bill compared to your old, inefficient system!
Weatherstripping Doors and Windows
A simple way to implement an energy-saving home tip this summer is to check the weatherstripping on your doors and windows throughout your home with the change of each season. If your weatherstripping is coming loose or drying up and cracking, it could be letting all that cold air your air conditioner worked so hard to pump into your house out into the world and vice versa, letting all that hot air from outside into your home. So each time you check, you’ll want to replace any of the old or broken weatherstrippings with new fresh weatherstripping.
Programmable Thermostat
Last but definitely not least, another easy way to make your home more energy-efficient is by installing a programmable thermostat. With a smart thermostat, you can remotely control the temperature of your home from an app on your phone. This gives you the freedom to raise the temperature in your home when you aren’t there so that you aren’t unnecessarily cooling an empty house. The ability to program your thermostat depending on the time of day will directly increase your home’s energy efficiency and ensure you are comfortable at home at all times!
These energy-saving home tips do more than just lower your monthly energy bill in the summer – it also undoubtedly impacts your quality of life in a positive way! At Austinatious Blinds and Shutters, we strive to work with you to create a space that you look forward to coming home to at the end of a long day. If you’re interested in one of the energy-efficient window treatment options we mentioned today, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us when you’re ready to make an upgrade!