We’re nearing the dog days of summer, which means it’s hot out. Not that it hasn’t been hot for the past six weeks already, but at this point, Central Texas might as well be on the sun.
Don’t sweat it, though; finding ways to keep cool without adding zeros to the energy bill just takes a little strategy.
Thermostat and Energy Efficiency
There’s no getting around not using your air conditioner in Texas, but aim to set it as high as you can and still feel relatively comfortable during the hottest hours of the day (2 to 5 PM). Increasing the inside temperature of your home by just 1oF in the summer months can lower your energy bill by as much as 10 percent.
Another thing to consider if you’re in the market for a new appliance in the summer is buying one with a good energy star rating. This will also help lower your summer utility bills.
Garage Hacks
Garages can trap a lot of heat during the summer. One way of removing some of that heat is installing some ventilation in your garage’s ceiling (remember, hot air rises). If your garage has windows, consider adding a reflective material to help radiate the sun’s rays outward rather than inward.
Another simple trick is to wait a few hours before putting your car back in the garage after returning home. A car’s engine can hold onto heat for a long time, and taking your vehicle straight into the garage will only bring that heat with it.
Outdoors and Watering
If you spend any time at all out on the porch or deck during the summer and it’s not covered, buying an umbrella for shade is paramount.
And when it comes to watering your grass or flower beds, do this either in the morning or in the evening just before sunset. This will help to reduce the amount of water that is evaporated by the hot sun. It’s also a good idea to water plants at the base, rather than watering them directly on their leaves or flowers.
Keep Things Cool Inside
One of the biggest challenges is keeping the inside of the home cool, but there are lots of small things homeowners can do that make a big difference.
- Close your blinds on the side of the house that gets the most sunlight
- Adjust ceiling fans to ensure they are pushing cool air downward (counter-clockwise)
- Close doors of rooms that aren’t in use. This helps trap cool air in the room
- If you’re still using incandescent light bulbs, switch to LED, as they give off less heat
- Buy a cooling pillow or mattress topper
- Seal off any window cracks that might be letting cool air out and hot air in
One of the best things about the homes within the Crosswinds community is that they were all constructed by the industry’s leading home builders, using the best building materials and construction practices. This means a cooler home in the summer and a warmer home in the winter.
If you’d like to find your dream home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us today.