It’s starting to heat up and soon most of us will be running the air conditioner daily. When is the last time you checked on the energy efficiency of your house or thought about adjusting your daily habits? We have all had that shocking energy bill arrive in the mail and wondered how it can be so high. But it doesn’t have to be that way this year! We have six DIY tips to help you keep your house cool and your energy bills low.
BLACKOUT CURTAINS
Natural light can come at a price. It’s gorgeous, but it can heat a house up very quickly. Consider installing blackout curtains on windows that face the sun during the hottest parts of the day. There are many inexpensive varieties that block the sunlight, heat, and harmful UV rays. They can also help insulate against outside noises. Bonus!
COOK OUTSIDE
If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen! Using the oven can rapidly increase the temperature of your home. Try planning to use your outdoor grill at least 1-2 times a week to help keep your energy costs down. You can also use a toaster oven to cook small portions or use the microwave when possible.
SEAL YOUR HOME
If your energy bills are consistently high, you may want to check your home for leaks. Feel around windows and doors for drafts. Weatherstripping your windows and doors is an easy and inexpensive DIY project. According to your budget, installing additional insulation will also help keep your energy bills low.
CHECK ON YOUR AIR CONDITIONING UNIT
If your filter is not being changed as recommended by the manufacturer, you should try to get into a habit of changing them out. When the filters get bogged down by dirt, dust, and debris, it can cause your unit to work harder to produce the same result. This is another easy DIY task that can save big money in the long run. Another option is to schedule a service call from your HVAC company. All machinery needs occasional tune-ups, even air conditioners!
UTILIZE CEILING FANS
This tip is as easy as flipping a switch! Did you know that your ceiling fans run in two different directions? There is a switch on most ceiling fans that allows you to control which direction the fan blades rotate. During the warm seasons, you want to flip the switch to make your fan blades rotate in a counterclockwise direction as you look up at it. Air should be pushed straight down—giving a nice, cool effect in the room.
MAKE UPGRADES
There are many options for upgrades in the home to increase your energy efficiency. You can start small and work your way up as your budget allows. You could start changing your normal bulbs out with LED bulbs, which have been found to be far more energy efficient. Programmable, Wi-Fi enabled thermostats are another way you can better control the energy usage in your home. Some power companies will even offer a rebate when you install certain energy efficiency items.
We hope you are staying cool! If you are planning on making a local or long-distance move this Summer season or just need secure on-site or warehouse storage, give 1-800-PACK-RAT a call! We have warehouse locations across the continental U.S. that can bring a portable storage container right to your doorstep. Give us a call today at 1-800-722-5728 or go online for a free quote and to learn more about how we can make moving and storage simple for you.