Summer is here, and with it come heat waves, which can skyrocket your energy bills. Saving energy during these months may seem almost impossible, but there are a number of home tips we can follow to mitigate the high temperatures. Using a ceiling fan is one of the best options, as it regulates the room’s temperature and consumes less energy than air conditioning.
Use ceiling fans in strategic locations
In any case, there are a number of modifications that can be made during this time to reduce energy consumption while also cooling the environment. As we mentioned before, use ceiling fans in strategic locations. These devices consume less energy, so they’re a good option, as if used correctly, they can provide a good source of ventilation. In many homes, this is the most preferred option, especially in bedrooms. It’s recommended to set these fans to rotate counterclockwise, thus pushing the air downward. Furthermore, these fans are usually adjustable, so we can choose the intensity we want the breeze to be.
It’s recommended to have a well-insulated home
On the other hand, there’s home insulation. It’s essential to insulate your home almost every season to prevent it from getting too cold or too hot. Poor insulation forces the cooling system to work triple duty, which increases electricity consumption and prematurely impairs the lifespan of appliances. Having a well-insulated home can be a somewhat costly option, but the idea is that the benefits can be seen in the long term and that it works for us in all seasons, especially the most extreme ones (summer and winter).
Using curtains, blinds, or shades
Linked to the previous advice is the importance of controlling the amount of light entering your home, that is, the heat that the sun can emit through windows in particular. Using curtains, blinds, or shades —any type of shade— can greatly reduce the temperature in your home, especially during the hottest hours of the day. It’s recommended to close blinds or curtains between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., especially if the sun shines directly on your windows or terrace.
Upgrade your cooling system
Finally, there’s the option of upgrading your cooling system. This is recommended to be done regularly to extend the lifespan of your appliances. Older air conditioners consume more electricity. It’s recommended to replace your air conditioner if it’s more than 10 years old, as newer units can consume less because they use energy more efficiently. This will be especially noticeable with air conditioners with a high SEER rating, which stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the cooling system.
As for the temperatures we could reach this summer, as every year, they will be high. And as the weather progresses, they will become even hotter, due to local warming and the increasingly warm state of planet Earth. Regarding this, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) conducted an analysis estimating that household electricity bills will increase by more than 6.2% year-over-year, averaging $784.
The forecasts are therefore not encouraging, so being prepared for high temperatures is essential if we want to enjoy the summer. As usual, it is recommended to avoid sun exposure during peak hours, stay hydrated, and take special care of the youngest and oldest members of the household.
