It’s that time of year here in Charleston, where the weather can tend to feel a bit unbearable and we find ourselves spending more time inside. While it feels nice to escape the heat, your pockets tend to suffer as energy prices go through the roof. We’ve rounded up 4 ways you can change your habits this summer to conserve your home’s energy.
Check your air conditioning & replace your air filter. Air conditioners require regular maintenance in order to function properly. By staying on top of this and monitoring your air conditioning unit, you’ll avoid poor performance and unusually high energy use associated with neglecting maintenance. In turn, replacing your air filter will also help conserve energy and keep your home cooler, as clogged filters block the regular airflow throughout a home. Your air conditioning system’s filter should be cleaned or replaced about every two months to ensure proper functionality.
Be smart with your thermostat. While it’s tempting to set your thermostat low and live in an ice box during these brutal summer months, it’s best to keep your thermostat set as high as comfortably possible, as it will help keep costs low. Be smart with your thermostat and place it at a higher setting while you are out of the house at work, running errands, etc. to help conserve energy. You can also purchase a smart thermostat which learns your habits and preferences to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule.
Close your blinds. It’s best to keep your blinds closed during the day, if you can help it, to prevent the sunlight from warming your home. Both southern and western-facing walls receive most of the suns direct heat, so it’s best to invest in high quality drapes or shades to block the sunlight.
Be mindful of your habits. When it comes to summertime cooking, stick to the joys of an outdoor grill! Using a conventional oven during the summer can add unwanted heat in your home, causing the A/C to work harder. Everyday machines such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers tend to generate a lot of heat as well, therefore if you can reduce the amount of times you use these machines, you’ll conserve energy and keep your home cooler. Air drying your clothing is also an easy way to avoid running the dryer. Electronics of all kinds generate heat, therefore it’s best to unplug any electronics that aren’t currently in use to help conserve energy.
Changing your everyday habits and being mindful of your energy usage during the summer months will help keep your home cool and save you money. If you’re looking to save energy in your home this summer or find a Charleston home, our agents would be happy to assist you.
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