As summer approaches and we brace for higher temperatures and more traffic in and out of our homes, we might be looking for ways to be more energy efficient to save money. Here are some of the best ways to cut energy use while still being comfortable.
Leverage your smart home features.
– Thermostat – If you are fortunate to have a smart home, or even some smart features in your home, the good news is that energy efficiency is literally at your fingertips. Use your phone to control the temperature in your home, making sure the air conditioner never runs too cold. This will be incredibly helpful both while you are at home and even while you are away on vacation. Setup a schedule for your thermostat and let it do the work to keep the house cool and the cost down.
– Smart lightbulbs and plugs – With smart lightbulbs, you can now control your lighting from anywhere, even setting up lighting schedules and conditions for when you and your family are not at home. Additionally, smart plugs can decrease the “power draw” that can happen even when your appliances are off, therefore saving you money and preventing you from having to turn around and go back to make sure the curling iron was unplugged.
– Water leak sensor – It seems like nothing costs more or wreaks more havoc than a water leak. If this hasn’t happened to you, you’ve no doubt heard horror stories of pipes bursting soon after a family leaves for vacation, and they return to find a costly and chaotic situation at home. Water leak sensors are an investment that can save you money and a lot of heartache in the long run.
Other ways to reduce energy consumption.
While smart features are extremely helpful, there are a few other things you can do to make sure you are having an energy efficient Summer! Make sure to get your air conditioner serviced by a professional. They can check that everything is in good working order and look for leaks. It may also be a good time to get an energy audit done in your home to see if there are any drafts or leaks that may be impacting your energy consumption. Finally, as appliances age, they begin to use a larger amount of energy. Make a plan to replace appliances that are past their prime.
Summer is an exciting time for families! Kids are home from school, the neighborhood pool is open and people are planning their summer trips. In the business of these hotter months, be sure to stay aware of your home energy use using these helpful tips so you can keep your summer bills down!