Get your home ready for warmer temperatures.
Temperatures are starting to climb and flowers will soon be blooming. Getting your home ready now for warmer temperatures can help you save money and energy all summer long.
Get Ready For Storms - Check your roof flashing, caulking and shingles for any damage. Flashing should be sealed with approved roofing sealant.
Inspect weather stripping around doors and windows to ensure your home is air sealed to prevent moisture and heat from entering your home.
Prepare For The Heat - Give your air conditioner some TLC. Replace dirty, clogged filters. They can lower energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Keep the coils clean. If you have a split system, clean debris and leaves from the fan, compressor and condenser.
Change the direction of your ceiling fan so that it spins counter clockwise. A ceiling fan can allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees with no reduction in comfort.
Buy energy efficient lighting. Only about 10% to 15% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light - the rest is turned into heat.
Plan For Landscaping - A well designed landscape can reduce your heating and cooling costs. Carefully positioned trees can save up to 25% of the energy a typical household uses. On average, a well-designed landscape can save enough energy to pay for itself in less than eight years!
Strategize For Daily Comfort And Efficiency - Use a programmable thermostat that will set back the temperature when you are not home.
Keep blinds and curtains closed on south-facing windows during the day to reduce solar heat gain.
~Courtesy of Energy.gov