Halloween is approaching, but here in Baytown we are still sitting in the sweltering heat – daily temperatures average in the 80’s! Most of us are wishing that the fall breezes would start blowing so we could warm up with a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks. . . but we hate to be the ones to report: the heat in Baytown is expected to continue. Going to the beach and spending time in the water is not necessarily an option for all of us, especially since school is in session and the holidays are approaching. Therefore, we have come up with a list of 6 ways to help you cool down and save money:
- Switch to using fans. We understand that during such a hot summer, air conditioning has been essential. But the weather has become more tolerable, and it may be time to switch from AC units to fans. Although you will not have the luxury of sitting in 70-degree air, you may save hundreds of dollars each month.
- Do you have blackout curtains? Plenty of people operate under the belief that blackout curtains are for lazy people who want to sleep in. This misconception can be expensive! Blackout curtains actually help the cool air stay inside, reducing your need to turn on a cooling system.
- Only use fans and/or AC when you are home. One of the biggest summer expenses for individuals living in the area is paying for energy they use even when they are not home. If you are leaving the AC unit on all day, this could be costing you hundreds. Be sure to turn off all electricity when you leave the home – leaving more money to use the AC for when you are home.
- Check your air filter. If you insist on using your air conditioning, be sure that you are switching the air filters regularly. By switching the filter every one or two months, you could reduce your home energy use by up to 15%.
- Invest in energy-efficient HVAC equipment. If your HVAC system is over 10 years old, it is time to make a change. Unfortunately, even many of the most newer models are not the most energy efficient. Consider transitioning to an energy-efficient AC unit. Although this is quite the investment now, it can save you thousands in the end. Not only are you going to reduce your energy bills each month, but you are also reducing your carbon footprint. More good news – as summer ends, many of these units may be on sale, making it an optimal time for the switch.
- Consider moving. No, we are not suggesting you leave Baytown! However, if you are noticing that your energy bills were higher than expected this summer season, it may be time to consider upgrading.
The above-mentioned are just a few tricks for staying cool, but there are many other variables that affect your bills. For example, you might want to examine how well your windows and doors are maintained. Are they sealed, or is air flowing in and out? Poor maintenance on a home can increase your energy bills year-round.
If you are living in an old home, it may be time to transition and move into an energy efficient home. It’s nice to save money on the cooling system, but a more efficient home will mean better use of the resources needed in heating, cooking, water, electricity, etc.
Upgrading piece by piece is also an option, but only if you have the time and money to invest. Many residents of the area are not interested in completing the upgrades on their own and find it financially beneficial to consider a move.
Keep Staying Cool…
As you can see, the summers are getting longer, and the winters are getting shorter. Extreme weather is affecting us more than before, causing energy bills to increase. To prepare for this fall and for the future, how about taking a look at your option of moving into a new and upgraded home?
Getting started is simple – just contact us. We can discuss your options for improving the efficiency of your home, provide an in-depth analysis of your home to help you decide if this is the best option for you, and even buy your home if you decide to sell.
