As summer approaches, staying cool and keeping your energy bills low requires a bit more effort. To help you enjoy the sunny season while saving energy, here are some practical tips:
Close Your Curtains
Whether you have curtains, blinds, shades, or shutters, keeping your windows covered can significantly reduce energy use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of window coverings remain in the same position daily, leading to unwanted solar gain—the heat absorbed from the sun’s radiation. To minimize this, cover windows receiving direct sunlight during the day and cover those facing east at night to block the morning sun.
Give Your Oven a Rest
While the refrigerator is the kitchen’s biggest energy consumer, using the oven in summer can increase your home’s temperature, making your air conditioner work harder. Instead, opt for the stovetop, microwave, or air fryer, which use less energy. Or, embrace the warm weather and grill your meals outside. This keeps your home cooler and may even enhance the flavor of your food.
Flip on the Fan
Raising your thermostat by two degrees and using a ceiling fan can reduce air-conditioning costs by up to 14%, according to the EPA’s Energy Star program. Ensure your fan spins counterclockwise in summer for maximum cooling. Ceiling fans make the room feel cooler by evaporating sweat and circulating cool air, creating a wind-chill effect. Remember to turn off fans when no one is in the room to save energy.
Upgrade to a Heat Pump
Heat pumps are an energy-efficient option for both heating and cooling your home. They transfer warm air indoors in winter and outdoors in summer. The Trane XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump with Trane Link, awarded by the Good Housekeeping Institute, is a top performer. It adjusts based on outdoor temperatures and humidity, using minimal energy while maintaining your home’s temperature within half a degree of your setting. The quiet, variable-speed motor ensures comfort during hot summer months.
Pairing the heat pump with a Trane Link UX360 Smart Thermostat offers additional control. You can monitor and adjust the temperature from your smartphone, optimizing energy use.
Change Filters Frequently
To maintain the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems, replace air filters every 30 to 90 days. This not only improves indoor air quality by capturing dust, pollen, and pet dander but also reduces energy consumption by 5 to 15%.
By implementing these energy-saving strategies, you can enjoy a comfortable, cool home and lower energy bills this summer.
