The summer is coming to an end, and students are heading back into class. Now, the house will sit empty for several hours each day.
While this seasonal shift can make life feel a little hectic at times, it creates the perfect opportunity to lower your monthly energy bills.
According to Energy Star, heating and cooling account for nearly half of a home’s energy use. Fortunately, a few simple adjustments can help improve your home’s efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
Here are 5 simple steps to save money as the dog days of summer enter their final stretch.
- Adjust Your Thermostat Schedule
If no one is home during the day, there’s no reason for your air conditioner to work as hard as it does when the house is occupied. After months of keeping your home cool during summer break, your thermostat may still be set for a schedule that no longer matches your family’s routine.
Adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees while everyone is away can help reduce unnecessary energy use.
This process becomes even easier with a smart thermostat or a Smart HVAC system.
For example, you can set your thermostat higher while the kids are at school and you are at work, and set it back to a cooler temperature just as everyone is returning home.
Small adjustments add up over time and make it easier to lower your monthly energy costs.
- Replace or Clean Your Air Filter
Around the start of the school season is the perfect time to check your HVAC system’s air filter.
During the summer months, your air conditioner works overtime to keep your home comfortable.
Not to mention the dust, pollen, and other allergens that can build up as your family spends more time outdoors throughout the summer months.
Most homeowners should check their air filter every three months and replace it when needed.
Keeping a clean filter is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to help your HVAC system operate more efficiently.
- Take Advantage of Cooler Weather
While it may feel like the dog days of summer are dragging on, relief is on the way as fall brings cooler temperatures and more comfortable weather.
Even before the temperatures fully cool down, homeowners can take advantage of those milder mornings and evenings.
Opening windows during cooler parts of the day can help bring fresh, cool air into your home while giving your system a break.
However, it is important to pay attention to humidity levels. Late summer still brings humid conditions that make your home uncomfortable.
Finding the right balance between natural ventilation and HVAC use can help you save energy while keeping your home comfortable.
- Seal Drafts and Improve Insulation
Your HVAC system can only work efficiently if your home is properly sealed. Small gaps around windows, doors, and other areas can allow conditioned air to escape.
This forces your system to run longer than necessary to make up for it.
It’s important to keep tabs on areas where air may be leaking. The most common areas for air leaks are doors and windows. Adding weatherstripping around doors or caulk around windows can help keep cool air inside during the heat of summer.
Proper insulation also plays an important role in maintaining consistent indoor temperatures.
A well-insulated home requires less energy to stay comfortable throughout the year.
- Schedule a Seasonal Tune-Up
The transition from summer to fall is one of the best times of the year, not just for the beauty of the leaves changing and football Friday nights, but for the cooler temperatures ahead.
After working hard all summer through high temperatures, your air conditioner may benefit from professional maintenance and inspection.
Routine HVAC maintenance can help identify potential problems while improving system efficiency.
Waiting until your system stops working can lead to unexpected repairs and uncomfortable days without reliable cooling.
Preventative maintenance helps keep your system running smoothly and can help avoid costly issues in the future.
Make Your Home More Energy Efficient This Back-to-School Season
We are coming up on a time of new routines. After a long, hot summer with the kids home more often, your HVAC system is ready for a break.
By adjusting your thermostat and making a few small efficiency improvements, you can reduce energy waste while lowering monthly bills.
Simple changes can make a difference, and taking care of your HVAC system now can help keep your home comfortable throughout the changing seasons.
If your HVAC system needs attention before fall arrives, scheduling a maintenance visit is a great way to improve efficiency and prepare your home for the months ahead.
