5 Ways That You Can Conserve Energy in Your Home This Summer

As a Texas resident, I’m sure you’re very familiar with how brutal the heat can be during the Summer. No one wants to come home after a hard day at work to a home that’s uncomfortably hot, so most of us typically use more energy during this time. While this is great for your comfort level, it may not always be what’s best for your electricity bill. Here are five ways to conserve energy in your home this summer.

Use a Fan

By investing in a ceiling, box or standing fan, you can reduce your energy costs. Air conditioning typically uses more electricity than anything else in your home. If you are using a fan, you can raise your thermostat setting by 4 degrees without a change in overall comfort. 

Close Your Blinds

Sun coming in your windows creates a greenhouse effect and increases the temperature in a room.  Closing your blinds allows you to block out the sun and keep your rooms from receiving this additional heat

Change Your Air Filter Once a Month

According to the Department of Energy, replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one can reduce energy consumption by as much as 15%.  When your air filters are dirty, your air conditioner system must work harder to do its job. 

Use an Energy-Efficient Thermostat

A smart thermostat can be programmed to automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling during times when you are either asleep or away. This allows you to eliminate wasteful energy use.

Use LED Bulbs

LED bulbs use about 80% less electricity while providing the same brightness of the incandescent bulbs they replace. Although they initially cost more, you are still saving money in the long run, because they use so little energy and last a long time.