3 Ways to Lower Your Home’s Monthly Energy Bills
The summer heat is breaking records this year. Many residents of Mount Pleasant, TX, have been feeling both the heat and the increased energy costs of keeping cool. Here are some simple ways to bring your energy bill down this summer without sacrificing comfort.
Get a Home Energy Audit
One of the best places to begin your quest for lower energy costs is with a professional home energy audit. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the costs of cooling alone account for 27% of Texas households’ electric expenses annually. That can work out to half or more of your monthly power bill during the hot summer months.
An energy auditor can pinpoint where hot air is entering your home and where cold air is leaking out. It’s often through cracks in weather-stripping around doors and windows or through gaps in your walls, attic and roof. The auditor can also check your HVAC system’s integrity and look for ways to improve its efficiency.
Use Fans to Cool Off
Many folks don’t realize that fans use a lot less electricity than central air conditions and ductless systems. By simply raising the thermostat 1–2 degrees and using fans to blow the air around, you could shave quite a bit off your monthly bill. Also, be sure to turn fans off when nobody is in the room, since all they’re doing then is blowing the hot air around without cooling anyone.
Block Out the Sun
A third easy tip is to block out the sun and rely on electric lights instead of sunlight to light up your home. Heavy drapes, blinds and even tinted windows can all reduce or block the sun’s heat, lowering your cooling costs. Let that bright, hot sunlight in during the cooler months, but block it out during the summer to save some bucks.
Keeping your home cool during the summer can be a challenge, especially when you’re on a tight budget. To set up an energy audit or to get your air conditioner checked out or repaired, contact us at Wood Air Conditioning & Plumbing right away.
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