During the warm summer months, temperatures get higher and so do energy bills. From cranked up air conditioners on hot days to extra loads of laundry for bathing suits on lake days, summer often results in higher energy use.
Regardless of the season, there are many simple ways to help you improve the energy efficiency of your home. Conserving energy will not only save you money, but it can also make a positive impact on protecting our environment.
Here are some simple yet effective tips to help you stay comfortable in your Northern Colorado custom home, while improving energy efficiency and reducing utility bills.
Think Comfortable Not Cold
Adjust the temperature on your thermostat by just a few degrees to make one of the biggest impacts. By setting your thermostat as high as comfortably possible (energy.gov recommends 78 degrees over the summer) you can save a measurable amount on your cooling bills. According to this article on smartenergy.com, you could save up to 3% of your cooling expenses for every degree you raise your thermostat above 72. You might also consider setting your thermostat just a few degrees higher when you’re not home so that cool air isn’t wasted on an empty house.
Invest In A Smart Thermostat
Upgrading your programmable thermostat to a smart, Wi-Fi enabled one provides energy efficient convenience that keeps your house cool when you’re home and saves energy when you’re not. Smart technology allows you to program times for the temperature to be lowered or raised, but also allows you to adjust the temperature when you need to, regardless of where you are, from an app on your phone. Manufacturers of Wi-Fi thermostats estimate that customers could save anywhere from 10 to 23 percent in cooling and heating costs.
Don’t Let The Sun (Or Heat) In
Keeping blinds, curtains, and windows closed on hotter days will block out the strong summer sunlight that can quickly heat up your house. Make sure to, at least, close blinds and windows during the hottest part of the day and any that are south facing. Open those windows once temperatures have cooled and the sun has leaving them open to cool your home overnight. In the morning, close them back up to trap cool air in.
Try A Fan Favorite
Ceiling and portable fans are simple, yet effective ways to circulate air and keep your home comfortable. With a good fan, you should be able to raise your thermostat setting to conserve energy without sacrificing on comfort. Ceiling fans are extremely functional, but they are also available in a wide variety of designs and styles to provide the perfect touch to the décor of your custom home. For inspiration, click here to see 15 of HGTV’s favorite ceiling fans for every design style.
Stay Up-To-Date With Annual Maintenance
One of the best ways to improve energy efficiency throughout the year is to schedule annual maintenance for your cooling and heating systems. During regular maintenance, your air conditioner and furnace are carefully inspected for potential problems, thoroughly cleaned, air filters are replaced, and minor repairs are addressed in order to ensure that they are working properly and efficiently.
Minimize Indoor Heat
On hot days, avoid using appliances that could heat your home. Make dinner outside at your custom built outdoor kitchen instead of using the oven or stove. Do laundry in the evenings and wash only full loads with cold water whenever possible. Run your dishwasher at night or let dishes air-dry instead.
Unplug What’s Not In Use
We have a tendency to leave appliances and electronics plugged in for convenience, however even the smallest item can waste energy. Unplug items that aren’t routinely used such as small kitchen appliances, DVD players, lamps in spare bedrooms, and even phone chargers.
Is The Water Too Hot?
Nearly 18% of the energy used in your home comes from heating water, but you can save a considerable amount of energy by simply turning down the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees (as recommended from energy.gov).
Lighting
Simple habits such as turning lights off when you leave a room or taking advantage of natural light can also help you to save energy. You can also switch to LED light bulbs that use 75% less energy and last 50 times longer.
Custom Homes Built For Energy Efficiency
NoCO Custom Homes is proud to be an Energy-Star certified builder committed to building homes with high-quality features and materials to help conserve energy. From energy efficient windows to Energy-Star rated appliances and much more, our homes are built to exceed required energy efficiency standards. Contact us today to learn more!
