It is getting hot out there, which means running your air conditioner more and increasing utility bills. Fortunately, we have a few tips to maximize energy efficiency at home and help you to reduce your utility bill.
Avoid using large appliances during the hottest part of the day
Running appliances like your stove, dishwasher, and washing machine can all heat up your home. On hotter days, it is time to bust out the grill. You can keep the extra heat outside by cooking a meal or two outdoors. Your air conditioner will thank you.
Use Fans
Cooling your home with ceiling fans and floor fans could allow you to raise your thermostat. That could help you lower your electricity bill without sacrificing your comfort. If you have bathroom fans installed in your home, they are made to suck the heat and humidity out of your home. This can also help improve your comfort level during those hot and humid days.
Replace or Schedule Maintenance for your Air Conditioner
Your air conditioner is a crucial part of helping you save energy. New air conditioners use less energy to keep your home cool in the summer. Most new units can also be paired with smart devices that can optimize your system’s energy usage and give you a detailed report on your system’s energy usage. If a new unit isn’t in your budget, having your air conditioner on a routine maintenance plan is crucial to the life of your unit and for it to continue to be energy efficient. If your coils are dusty and your system hasn’t been adequately cleaned in a while, this can lead to your system malfunctioning or losing a high percentage of its efficiency.
Install Window Treatments
Window treatments provide another layer of insulation for your home. During the summer, an energy-efficient window treatment can prevent cold air from escaping and keep your room cooler. Closing the insulated window treatments at night will help keep in cool air. During those hot summer days closing your window treatments will prevent the sun’s harsh rays from heating your home and help your A/C not to work as hard. Window treatments can also reduce the need for electrical light and reduce energy use. Having window treatments that maximize the natural light in a room reduces the use of artificial lights. A bonus is that using natural light can also help boost your mood.
These are just a few tips to help maximize energy efficiency at home during these scorching hot months, and we can help with one of these tips! Our design team would love to help you pick out window treatments to help maximize energy efficiency in your home!
Don’t forget that The federal government is still offering energy tax credits on select energy-efficient Hunter Douglas Duette® Honeycomb Shades—letting you earn 30% of the purchase price* back in the form of a tax credit, up to a maximum annual amount of $1,200.
Hunter Douglas Duette Honeycomb Shades provide superior insulation at the window, helping to lower your monthly utility bills. We are here to help you pick the best energy-efficient window treatments for your home based on your specific needs and preferences. Schedule a free virtual design consultation with us today.