4 Home Energy-Saving Tips for Summer

During the summer, there are many ways to save energy at home. Saving energy translates to saving money on the utility bills. It is harder to save energy in the summertime in warm climates, because heat often seems to penetrate every nook and cranny of the home, inside and out. There are some very basic changes homeowners can make to save money on utilities. These are just a few.

Attic
Install a radiant heat barrier in the attic. This prevents the sun's energy from penetrating the home and flowing into the living area below. This can be done with spray-on material or in sheets. Radiant heat barriers work well in tandem with attic insulation. Use blown-in fiberglass insulation for a reliable barrier between the attic floor and the upper warm attic air. If the attic is not properly vented, add vents, fans and air flow mechanisms to reduce stagnant and stuffy air space. This will help to reduce temperatures. Use weather stripping and caulking around windows to close any gaps.

Window Treatments

One easy way to cool a home is by applying interior window treatments throughout the home. Prevent the sun from entering the room with window shades, draperies, interior shutters and blinds. Anything that keeps the sun from shining into a room and heating the air and furnishings will make things cooler. The cooler it is, the less power needed to run the air conditioner.

Lights
Turn off the lights. While it sounds like common sense, many people forget that light creates heat and burns energy, too. Install dimmer switches on existing lighting to lower watt usage. Turn lights off completely when no one is home. There is no need to keep them on during the day when no one will benefit. If people get home when it is dark and they want a lit entrance, use a lamp timer. Program it to come on at dusk. This will conserve energy during the daytime and provide safety when it gets dark.

Shade
There are many different ways to provide exterior shade for the home. Most people think in terms of planting trees to prevent the sun from shining on the home's exterior and transferring its radiant heat energy. While this is true, there are other ways, too. Install awnings over the tops of windows, especially those on the upper levels of the home. They create instant shade and will prevent whistling wind from penetrating the windows directly. Most awnings require little maintenance beyond the occasional power washing.

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