Did you know cooling your home accounts for 15% of its energy use? And it could account for even more during an Alabama summer… But just because it’s hot outside doesn’t mean your home can’t be energy efficient and eco-friendly. Check out these tips to keep cool this summer and relax knowing you’re helping the environment.
- Close drapes during the day and consider applying window film to minimize heat from the sun.
- Open crawl space and attic vents during summer months to promote ventilation and reduce humidity, decreasing moisture load on your cooling system.
- Keep the door closed! Try to keep in-and-out traffic from overworking your cooling system. Each time the door is opened, hot air enters your home.
- Seal gaps in floors, doors and windows to save up to 10% on your energy bill and prevent moisture issues and drafts.
- Set ceiling fans to run counterclockwise to help cool rooms.
- Hang laundry outside to dry during the warm weather.Running the dryer raises the overall temperature of the house and requires a lot of electricity.
- Set the thermostat and then forget it. If you change the temperature often during the day, you are more likely to waste energy.
- Avoid cleaning at high noon. Do activities like mopping and washing dishes in the coolest part of the day. These tasks add moisture – and heat – to your home in the summer.
- Use your kitchen exhaust fan to remove excess heat, moisture and cooking odors. But don’t let it run more than 15 minutes after cooking or it will be taking out conditioned air.
- Power your home with green energy! With Greener State, cover your electric usage with solar and wind energy for as little as $5 per month. There’s no equipment necessary, and it only takes a minute to sign up for one of our plans! Trust us, it’s the easiest thing you’ll do all summer.