Can’t stand the heat? You don’t have to get out of the kitchen! We’ve got better, more energy-efficient ways to help you stay cool this summer and hopefully save you money.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the best indoor temperature for your home during summer is 78 degrees. If you’re like us, though, that sounds too dang high! Luckily, we know plenty of renovation remedies to increase home efficiency while curbing temperatures and energy bills.
10 Energy-Saving Tips
Get an Energy Assessment
A home energy assessment helps you understand the whole picture of your home’s energy use and determine which areas and fixes you should prioritize.Replace High-Energy Appliances
Homes over 15 years old may benefit from a new air conditioner, furnace or boiler. Heating systems over 15 are usually inefficient, even compared to cheaper central air conditioning and heating systems today.Maintain Proper Insulation
Insulation keeps your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer and can be the difference between a high and low-cost energy bill. Combining the installation of new appliances with other improvements, such as sealing doors and windows, adding more insulation, and improving ductwork, will significantly lower monthly costs. Hire a contractor to check that your house is sealed effectively and not letting out any air.Repair or Replace Your Roof
Your roof takes the brunt of seasonal weather changes. If it’s older than 20 years, it could be time to make repairs or replacements! Consider using materials like clay or sheet metal instead of asphalt. They will help to reflect heat rather than absorb it, naturally keeping your home cooler. Even if you don’t fully replace your roof, consider adding a cool roof coating to help reflect heat.
Lights Out
Turning off lights will reduce your home’s electric bill and overall temperature. If you are still using incandescent light bulbs, we recommend switching to LEDs to cut your energy bills even more.Throw Some Shade
If you’ve ever enjoyed a sunny day from the safety of a big beach umbrella, you know the beauty of shade. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. When you’re away, be sure to keep shades, blinds and curtains closed. Black-out shades significantly reduce the amount of sunlight entering your home and, subsequently, the temperature.Adjust Your Thermostat
Fathers of the world, remain calm! We are not suggesting anyone slam the down arrow on your precious thermostat with abandon; we have a strategy to share. Set thermostats to the highest comfortable temperature, then raise it a degree. Raise the setpoint when you're sleeping or away from home. Every degree you lower your thermostat increases energy savings by up to 6 percent.Consider a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat lets you be smart about your energy usage. Instead of cooling your home for hours so it will be comfortable when you return, you can program one to start your A/C just before your arrival.
Use Fans
Compared to air conditioners, running a fan is a bargain. Fans use roughly 1/60th the energy of an air conditioner. 1/60th!! Consider using a fan with your air conditioner. While an A/C cools, a fan blows air across your skin, which helps sweat evaporate more quickly and reduces your body temperature. Using the two in conjunction will allow you to raise your thermostat a few degrees while remaining comfortable.Get Out of The Kitchen
Like we said, you don't have to, but avoiding a hot kitchen is one of the surest ways to keep your home cool in the summer. Next time you’re thinking of cooking, don’t preheat the oven. Instead, use a CrockPot recipe or fire up your grill! If your outdoor area isn't exactly warm weather-ready, contact Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc to make the most of your outdoor space!
If minor fixes aren’t enough to reduce your cooling costs, it could be time for a home efficiency upgrade. Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc. can help you renew your home from top to bottom. Contact us below to get started!
Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc has been a member of NARI since 2006. Several benefits associated with membership include Community, Education, Certification, Access, and more. Kelly Berlin, Vice President of Maverick Home Remodeling, Inc., served as a board member of NARI’s Rocky Mountain Chapter for three years to help promote the remodeling industry and encourage others to commit to integrity, transparency and education.
