Four Ways To Save Money This Summer
Midwest Winters have their own unique challenges when it comes to staying at a comfortable temperature without an energy bill that breaks the bank, and Summer can be costly when it comes to staying cool. We’ve compiled a list of ways to stay comfortable this Summer while saving money!
Install A Smart or Programmable Thermostat
With the increased popularity of Smart Home Technology, programmable thermostats are an incredible way to save money this Summer. If you go away on vacation, you can control the temperature of your house with your phone! You can also set the temperature a bit higher when no one is home, and program it to a more comfortable temperature when people are home. Using Energy Star’s Rebate Finder, you might be able to find a great deal on a new Smart or programmable thermostat - doubling your savings!
Hang Dry Your Laundry
Summer is the perfect time to save money on your energy bills by hanging clothes out on a line instead of running the dryer. Even if you choose to hang your clothes half of the time, the savings will add up! In addition to extending the life of your clothing, the average household who hang dries laundry saves 10-20% on their energy bills. With some twine and clothes pins, anyone can give this a try!
Create Shade
Blocking a bit of the sun’s entrance into your home can go a long way to keeping cool over the summer. Closing or turning down your blinds/curtains during the day can help repel heat. Also, planting trees on the south side of your property will naturally shade your home during peak daylight. Finally, planting shrubbery or installing a privacy screen around your outdoor AC unit can improve its efficiency by 10%!
Change Your Air Filters
It’s recommended that air filters get changed every 90 days. Let’s be honest; how many of us remember to change those filters every three months? The start of each new season is the perfect reminder to cross this task off our home maintenance list. It takes just a few minutes and is an easy way to improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC system.
There you have it; four ways to save money this Summer! What are some of your favorite tips and tricks to keep energy costs low during the warmer months?
Resources: The Hartford