Lower Your Utility Bills This Summer Without Sacrificing Comfort

Lower Your Utility Bills This Summer Without Sacrificing Comfort

When the heat is on, it’s tempting to blast the A/C. However, utility bills can rack up fast. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort when choosing to keep your A/C mellow. This summer, you can keep cool while lowering your energy bills by being smart about how you cool your home. Here is how to lower your utility bills this summer without sacrificing comfort.

Zone the cooling

Cooling every square inch of a home is an inefficient use of energy. If your HVAC system supports zoning (or can be upgraded), divide your home into zones based on your usage patterns. For example, cool the primary suite and living areas during the day, and guest or office spaces only as needed. Install smart thermostats in each zone and program them for occupancy patterns. Some high-end systems can learn your habits and adjust accordingly! 

Invest in motorized window treatments

Sunlight streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows is beautiful, but it can also turn your home into a greenhouse. Motorized shades or smart blinds are both beautiful and energy-efficient. Program the window treatments to lower during peak sun hours to block UV rays and reduce indoor temperatures, minimizing the need for air conditioning.

Use ceiling fans to complement the air conditioning

If your home has high ceilings, it can trap heat. Discreet ceiling fans in bedrooms, kitchens, and covered outdoor spaces can lower the perceived temperature by four to six degrees. This allows you to raise your A/C settings without sacrificing comfort.

Seal and insulate hidden energy leaks

Even the most beautiful homes have inefficiencies. Conduct an energy audit to find leaks around doors, windows, attic spaces, or recessed lighting. Insulating attic hatches, adding door sweeps, and upgrading weatherstripping can save significant energy over time.

Take care of your HVAC system

Schedule bi-annual HVAC system tune-ups, replace filters monthly during peak use, and ensure clean and leak-free ducts. A top-quality, high-performance HVAC system will run more efficiently and last longer. Ask your service provider about variable-speed air handlers or geothermal cooling systems for long-term sustainability.

Maximize your outdoor living space.

If you’ve invested in a beautiful patio, covered veranda, or poolside cabana, make it part of your summer lifestyle. Spending more time outdoors in shaded, breezy areas naturally reduces your indoor cooling demands. Add misting systems, retractable awnings, or outdoor ceiling fans to add even more comfort to the outside.

Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances and fixtures

From high-end refrigerators to luxury dishwashers and washers, premium appliances offer excellent energy ratings without sacrificing performance. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when replacing or upgrading. Replace incandescent or halogen bulbs with LED alternatives throughout the home. They emit less heat and use a fraction of the energy.

Intentional, intelligent living can create the most comfortable at-home living experience. You don’t have to sacrifice comfort in order to keep your utility bills lower. Utilizing these tips can help you stay comfortable and cool all summer long.