When the temperature rises, so does energy usage - by up to one third during the summer months - mostly thanks to hard-working air conditioners.
Truth is, there are plenty of simple and smart ways to reduce summertime energy usage without ever breaking a sweat.
Top 10 ways to reduce summertime energy usage and increase your cash flow:
- Get in the zone. Add specially placed thermostats and motorized dampers for zoned air-conditioning. When you adjust for rooms' cooling needs, you also adjust your comfort level - and energy bills.
- Dim the lights. Adjust timers on outdoor lighting to account for longer days. Citronella candles and tiki torches may be efficient for patio and deck lighting.
- Ditch the sprinkler. Replace some grass with drought resistant, low-growing plants. What's more, these low maintenance greens spread quickly and cut down on lawn mowing time.
- Develop a green thumb. Shade a home's south side with leafy trees. Besides protecting your house from the highest heat, they provide a cool refuge for picnics and games.
- Pull the shades. Shut blinds and curtains to block heat. When you invest in quality window treatments, it will affect your energy bills during the coldest winter months as well.
- Buy smart. Choose electric mowers and trimmers over gas-guzzling models. You'll enjoy less maintenance as well.
- Simplify meal prep. Cook with a microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker rather than the stove. That's right - the easier the cooking method is for you, the easier it will be on your bills.
- Improve your view. Plant shrubs to shade air conditioners. Well-designed landscaping also add curb appeal and increases property value.
- Make the switch. Replace clogged air filters in cooling systems. Keeping track of filter expiration dates on a calendar prevents the out-of-sight, out-of-mind syndrome.
- Go old school. Clean up grass trimmings with a broom instead of a blower. Sweeping cuts down on noise pollution too.