How to Prep Your Home for Summer Energy Savings

As every Texan knows, summers here are no joke—and neither are the power bills that come with them. When the temperatures rise, your energy usage tends to do the same. But with some preparation and a few mindful habits, you can keep your home cool and your energy costs down. Here’s how you can prepare your home for summer energy savings:

Service Your HVAC System

Your air conditioner works hard all summer long to keep your home cool, so it’s important to properly maintain it to keep it running efficiently. A neglected HVAC system or one with a clogged air filter has to work much harder to cool your home, using more energy and driving up your bill. Change air filters and get your system serviced regularly according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure it’s running as smoothly and efficiently as possible all summer long. 

Check Insulation

If your home isn’t properly insulated, all that cool air you’re paying for could be escaping. Check your attic and walls to make sure insulation is in good shape. Take some time to seal up any gaps around windows and doors that could be causing air leaks using caulk or weatherstripping. Having proper insulation is key to preventing hot air from creeping in and cool air from slipping out!

Install Window Treatments

Blocking out the sunlight is another easy way to keep the heat out during the summer. Install window treatments like shades, curtains or blinds to prevent the sun from beaming into your windows throughout the day. This is especially helpful during the hottest parts of the day, like the midafternoon. Although it’s nice to let the natural light in at times, this simple adjustment helps ease the pressure on your AC unit and drives savings on your power bill.

Set Ceiling Fans to Rotate Counterclockwise

During the hot summer months, ceiling fans are your best friends—if they’re moving in the right direction. In the warmer weather, make sure they’re set to rotate counterclockwise. This pushes cool air downward and helps circulate it throughout the room. Remember to turn fans off when you leave the room because fans cool people, not rooms.

Maximize Your Thermostat Settings

In the brutal Texas heat, our first instinct is often to blast the AC for a little relief. But cranking your thermostat is the number one way to inflate your power bill. Instead, aim for a consistent, comfortable setting, preferably one closer to the temperature outside. A programmable or smart thermostat can make this step even easier since they allow you to preset your thermostat settings depending on the time of day. For example, you can adjust them to automatically set at a higher temperature while you’re away and a lower temperature while you’re at home. This way, you’re not paying to cool a home no one is in. 

Be Mindful of Heat-Producing Appliances

Appliances like dryers, ovens and stovetops produce a lot of heat. This can cause your AC to have to work harder to cool your home. Plan to avoid using these appliances during the hottest times of the day, and instead use them in the early morning or late evening to prevent increased cooling costs. Try using an outdoor grill or hanging clothes to dry when you can to further save on your bill.

Plant Shade Trees

If you’re looking for a long-term solution to help you beat the heat, shade trees could be just what you’re looking for. Your home is exposed to the sun’s heat all day long. These trees create a natural barrier between your home and the sun, helping reduce the amount of heat it absorbs throughout the day. This natural shade is a great way to reduce cooling costs. Plus, it adds to your home’s curb appeal!

Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Although we don’t often think of lighting when we think about summer energy savings, it is an important consideration. Especially with the kids home for summer break, the lights will likely be on more often throughout the day. Swapping out traditional incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient options, like LED, can significantly cut down on your home’s energy use. While it’s a simple solution, it’s effective, and these small savings add up over time.

Get Your Kids Involved

With the kids home for summer break, why not make saving electricity a family effort? Encourage them to practice energy-saving habits, like turning off lights when they leave a room, unplugging devices they’re not using and closing blinds during the day. Consider creating a reward system to keep it fun and engaging. It’s a great way to teach them about energy conservation while keeping your bill in check.

With these few preparations and simple habits, you can prepare your home for the summer heat and maximize your energy savings. If you’re looking for even more control over your electricity bill, consider switching to prepaid power from Texas power company, Pronto Power. You’ll enjoy the ability to track your energy usage in real time and pay for electricity as you go—no more surprise monthly bills. Visit our website to learn about how it works.