With the temperatures rising as the dog days of Summer approach, we all turn on the air conditioning and try to hide from the sweltering heat. At the same time, our electric bills shoot through the roof. What can you do to lower your energy demand this summer without suffering through a heat wave?
Get the House Insulated
If you own your home, by adding blown-in insulation you will see up to a 30% reduction to your energy bill. While the initial cost might seem daunting, it often pays for itself within five to seven years.
Plant a Tree
Shade trees such as maple, oak, and beech that lose their leaves in the winter are Mother Nature's answer to finding free air conditioning. If your home is shaded by a tree, the sun is blocked from heating it in the summer and is allowed to help add heat in the winter.
Close Your Windows
If your home and windows are well insulated, use that technology to your advantage. Overnight, your house cooled off. When the sun rises, close your home's windows and doors. Then pull down any blinds or close the blackout curtains, that will help to keep the sunlight from warming the interior of your home. Keep the cool in and the heat and humidity outside.
Kick the Heat Outside
Once the temperatures drop at night, open up the house again. Place a box fan in a window and bring some of that free cool air into the house.
Turn Off Your Electronics
The new flat screen televisions are notorious for creating heat. Sound systems, computers and almost any newer type of gadget that is warm to the touch is adding more heat to your home; heat you have to pay to remove. When you head out to work in the morning, turn off as many of those items as you can.
If you're looking for any type of AC maintenance or furnace maintenance, contact the experts at Mastercraft Heating & Cooling today!
