While Georgia’s summer is famous for its blistering heat, that doesn’t necessarily translate to soaring energy costs for your home. Today’s new homes provide more energy efficient options than the traditional air conditioning unit for staying comfortable during the sweltering summer months. Read on to discover some easy and effective methods for managing the summer heat while saving money on your energy bills.
Maximizing the Utility of Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are an invaluable asset for Georgia homes during the summer. Commonly found in bedrooms, living rooms and other communal areas. These devices can significantly contribute to the cooling of your house. However, for these fans to be effective, it’s important to ensure proper ventilation.
When a fan operates in an enclosed space, the room doesn’t actually become cooler, and you could be driving your energy bill up without receiving any benefits. So, keep the doors open, and allow the cool air to flow freely through your rooms. An unobstructed air current can make a considerable difference in reducing indoor temperatures and keeping your energy costs low.
Leveraging Programmable Thermostats
Another fantastic tool for regulating indoor temperature is the programmable thermostat. Statistics reveal that homeowners can save about $180 per year just by maintaining their thermostats properly. The key is to use a program that automatically adjusts your heating and cooling schedules to when you need them most, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Cooking Without Heating the House
The kitchen, with its traditional oven, can be a significant source of unwanted heat. Ovens release a substantial amount of warmth into your living areas, effectively undermining your cooling efforts. In the hot Georgian summer, it may be time to consider alternatives. Microwaves, for instance, are not only cooler but also faster.
Alternatively, embrace the summer spirit and take your cooking outdoors. Grilling on the patio can provide a delicious meal without heating up your home, making it a perfect strategy for the season.
Boosting Home Energy Efficiency
Lastly, you can increase your home’s energy efficiency and keep it cooler by practicing some simple habits. Keeping your shades drawn during the day can prevent the sun’s rays from directly heating your rooms. Similarly, turning off unnecessary lights can help reduce additional heat.
For those looking to go the extra mile, consider switching to Energy Star certified light bulbs. Not only do these bulbs consume less power, but they also emit less heat, making them an excellent choice for an energy-efficient and cool summer home.
In conclusion, with a few smart adjustments and choices, it’s possible to enjoy a cool, comfortable summer in Georgia without breaking the bank on energy costs.
Read more home trends on Atlanta Real Estate Forum.
I love the idea of adjusting a thermostat depending on the situation. So, in summer, I suggest setting your thermostat to 75°F when you wake up, 80°F when you leave, 75°F in the evenings, and 78°F (or turn it off) when you sleep. In winter, set your thermostat to 68°F when you wake up, 60°F when you leave, 68°F in the evenings, and 60°F when you sleep.
You won’t feel a big change in temperature, but you’ll see a significant reduction in energy usage.
I love this article, and the tips suggested are very good and helpful. Speaking of ceiling fans, they can also help you reduce energy bills in winter. For this, just change their rotation to clockwise. This will distribute warm air and direct it downward, lightening the load on your heating system.
An air conditioner is a good solution in hot weather, but homeowners need to remember a few important things. One of them is the importance of having an air conditioning unit of the right size. Your home’s air conditioning is just like a pair of shoes, and you have a size that fits. Too small or too large is uncomfortable and can drastically increase energy consumption. I think it’s worth mentioning because many homeowners tend to think that a larger system will automatically be more efficient and provide better cooling.