During the summer months, our main concern is to keep ourselves cool and comfortable in our homes. Unfortunately, that comes at the risk of skyrocketing energy bills at the end of the month. We all know that running an air conditioner (even if it’s a small, window air conditioner) can drastically increase our energy bills. However, you may be using more energy than you have to. Here, we discuss the steps you can take to reduce energy waste in your home this summer.
Upgrade your windows
Air conditioners often work overtime because much of the cold air they’re producing is slipping out of your home through the windows. Even if your windows are closed, old windows could have gaps and cracks that cause air leakage. While installing new windows may cost more upfront, it can help save you money in the long run.
Additionally, installing window treatments and coverings can block sunlight and thereby reduce the amount of heat entering your home. You can also open your windows at night and shut them in the morning to introduce cool air into your home.
Use your thermostat wisely
When you’re home, you want your home to be cool and comfortable. But there’s no reason to keep it that way when you’re not home. Set your thermostat so that your air conditioning won’t run (or at least, won’t run as much) while you’re away. If you have a programmable thermostat, you can do this automatically.
As well as your fans and ventilation
Fans cool people, not rooms. As such, there’s no reason to keep it running if you’re not using a particular room. Whenever you leave a room, turn off any fans to conserve energy. Additionally, you can take advantage of your home’s ventilation by using bathroom and kitchen fans to remove hot or humid air.
Caulk and seal
We said before that air can leak out of old and deteriorating windows. The same is true of other areas of your home, such as doors, walls, and floors. To prevent this, seal any cracks or openings you find around your home. Then, add caulk or weatherstripping around doors and windows to prevent air leaks.
Summers can get hot, even here in Calgary. Thankfully, Accurate Home Inspection can help identify areas of your home to conserve energy and keep your home safe and comfortable. Contact us today at 403-826-6111 to learn more.
