Homeowner's Guide to Energy-Saving Tips for Summer

Small changes around your home can lead to big energy savings, especially in the summer. With modern tools and smart strategies, keeping your house cool and comfy doesn't have to come with a bigger bill or carbon footprint. Let's explore how a few energy-saving tips for summer can help you beat the heat while keeping energy costs in check.

Optimizing Air Conditioning Use

When summer temperatures soar, your air conditioner becomes a necessity. Whether it’s cooling your home after a long day outside or helping you sleep comfortably, your AC works overtime during the hottest months. However, constant use can lead to high energy bills and wear and tear on your system. Let's go over a few strategies to reduce energy consumption, save money, and prevent strain on your system:

• Smart thermostats: Programmable thermostats allow you to set cooling schedules based on your daily routine, automatically adjusting temperatures when you’re away or sleeping.
• Regular filter changes: A clogged air filter makes your AC work harder, using more energy. Check and wash or replace filters every 1-3 months to maintain optimal airflow.
• Seal air leaks: Gaps around windows and doors let cool air escape, forcing your AC to work harder. Sealing these leaks with caulk or weather stripping ensures the cold air stays inside.
• Upgrade your insulation: Insulating your basement walls with the best materials can prevent cooled air from escaping, saving on air conditioning costs.
• Close vents in unused rooms: Redirect cool air to the areas you use most. Closing vents in rooms that don’t need cooling reduces the strain on your system.
• Regular maintenance: Schedule an annual tune-up to ensure your AC works at peak efficiency. Technicians can clean coils, check refrigerant levels, and spot potential issues before they become costly repairs.

Alternative Cooling Methods

Relying solely on air conditioning can quickly drive up your energy bills. Luckily, we have some other energy-saving tips for summer that can help keep your home comfortable and conserve energy. By incorporating a few of these solutions, you’ll save money during the summer and benefit from increased energy efficiency all year.

Ceiling Fans

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ceiling fans can help a room feel up to four degrees cooler, so you can comfortably increase your thermostat a few degrees. For around $100 to $300, depending on size and features, buying a new ceiling fan can reduce your cooling costs by allowing you to set your thermostat higher. And if you already have fans, just make sure they're spinning in the right direction. Fans use significantly less energy than air conditioners, typically costing just pennies per hour to operate.

Energy-Efficient Window Treatments

Investing in energy-efficient window coverings like reflective blinds or blackout curtains can block out the sun’s heat and reduce the strain on your AC. You can expect to spend between $50 and $200 per window, depending on the material. Over time, these treatments help maintain cooler indoor temperatures, reducing your overall energy consumption.

Outdoor Shading

Creating shade with awnings, pergolas, or strategically planted trees can block direct sunlight from heating your home. Retractable awnings can range from a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the size and location. Planting trees is a low-cost investment that grows in value over time. By shading your outdoor windows and walls, you can lower indoor temperatures and reduce your reliance on air conditioning.

Cross Ventilation

Cross ventilation is a cost-free method that involves opening windows on opposite sides of your home to create a natural breeze. By doing this, you can reduce the need for mechanical cooling on milder days, allowing fresh air to circulate and cool your space.

Energy-Saving Tips for Other Appliances

While your air conditioner is a big energy consumer in the summer, it’s not the only culprit. Other household appliances can also drive up energy costs. Here are some energy-saving tips for summer on using your appliances that can also help throughout the year:

• Kitchen appliances: Use smaller appliances like microwaves or toaster ovens to avoid heating up your kitchen. Keep lids on pots to speed up cooking and reduce energy.
• Laundry: Wash clothes in cold water and air dry when possible to reduce energy consumption.
• Refrigerator: Keep your fridge well-organized and full but not overcrowded. A full fridge maintains a proper temperature more efficiently, but it needs a little space for air circulation.
• Dishwasher: Only run full loads and let dishes air dry instead of using the heat-dry cycle to save energy.
• Water heater: Lower the temperature on your water heater to around 120°F. This reduces the energy used to heat water while still providing plenty of hot water for daily use.
• Electronics: Unplug devices when not in use or use power strips with switches. Even when turned off, many electronics still consume standby power, also known as "phantom energy."

Home Maintenance for Energy Efficiency

Home maintenance can go a long way to reduce energy costs year-round. These all-season energy-saving tips at home can help you reduce energy use and save money throughout the year.

• Window upgrades: Install energy-efficient windows or apply low-emissivity (low-E) coatings to reflect heat and keep your home cooler.
• Landscape shading: Strategically plant trees or shrubs around your home to block sunlight and reduce heat buildup.
• Reflective paint: Use reflective or light-colored exterior paint to deflect heat away from your home’s walls and roof.

Energy-Saving and More

Adopting these summer energy-saving tips in your home can lower your utility bills and improve efficiency. From servicing your AC to using alternative cooling methods and completing other household maintenance, these changes significantly impact summer comfort and cost savings. Plus, many of these practices will benefit you year-round.

For more savings from unexpected repairs and breakdowns, consider a First American home warranty. Our coverage offers peace of mind covering repairs on many home systems and appliances, including your AC, from normal wear and tear. Get a quote today and be ready to save on repair and replacement costs.

For more information, check out our blog: What is a Home Warranty? Coverage, Cost, and Benefits

FAQs About Summer Energy-Saving Tips

How to keep your AC bill low in summer?

To keep your air conditioning bill low during the summer, focus on optimizing its efficiency and reducing unnecessary use of your system. Implementing simple changes like adjusting the thermostat, maintaining your AC unit, and using ceiling fans can significantly reduce energy consumption.

How could you save energy during summer?

Saving energy in the summer requires using efficient appliances and making your home more resistant to heat. Try alternative cooling methods like energy-efficient window treatments and outdoor shading, along with mindful use of appliances.

What is the most energy-efficient temperature to keep your house in summer?

The most energy-efficient temperature for summer is between 72° to 78°F. Keeping your thermostat at 72°F while at home and higher when you're away helps save energy without sacrificing comfort.

Bonus: Post this handy infographic on your refrigerator as summer gets underway. It will remind you how you can keep your home cool and comfy when the temperature rises.

The contents of this article are provided for general guidance only. First American Home Warranty does not assume any responsibility for losses or damages as a result of using this information.

Please be aware that if you disassemble a covered system or item, it can invalidate your home warranty or manufacturer's warranty.