Q:How can I get my home ready for the heat of the summer while keeping energy costs low?
A:Balancing comfort with cost is a concern for many of us who live in the Tennessee Valley. As spring settles into summer, June is the perfect time for a do-it-yourself home energy checkup. Here are 10 low-or no-cost ways to make sure that you — and your home — are ready to beat Tennessee’s heat.
1. Inspect your air conditioning unit
Visually inspect your outdoor A/C unit. Look for visible signs of wear, damage, corrosion or obstructions like debris or vegetation that could block airflow. Then, make sure it’s level and securely positioned. And don’t forget to replace your air filter at least every three months!
If you’d prefer to leave the tuneup to the pros, you can take advantage of a $50 HVAC tuneup rebate offered by TVA EnergyRight.
2. Seal air leaks
Keep all of your nicely conditioned air inside and summer swelter outside! Check the seal around all A/C window units, windows and doors to make sure hot air can’t get in. Use weather stripping or caulk, and install door sweeps as necessary.
3. Close your dampers
If you use a fireplace or woodstove throughout the winter, close your dampers at the end of your heating season; this will prevent cool air from going up in “smoke” and keep critters from creeping in.
4. Reverse your ceiling fan
Reverse the direction of your ceiling fans so the blades rotate counterclockwise, creating a cooling downdraft. Remember, though, that ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. There’s no need to keep ceiling or personal fans running in an empty room. Clean the blades before you reverse them, especially if pets live in your home.
5. Don’t let the sun shine in
We’re not talking blackout shades here, but closing your curtains and blinds strategically is well worth the effort. When you’re home, consider closing east-facing blinds in the morning and west-facing blinds in the afternoon. If you’re lucky enough to live in a home with lots of windows, get in the habit of closing all the curtains and blinds before you leave for the day.
6. Bump your thermostat up a few degrees
Did you know that for every degree above 72, you can save up to 3% on your energy bill? For maximum summer energy savings, aim for 78 degrees when you’re home. When you need to cool the house down, dial it back a degree or two at a time until you’re comfortable. Dropping the temperature set point lower doesn’t make your A/C work faster, but it will make your system work harder for longer.
7. Consider purchasing a programmable or a smart thermostat
If you don’t already have a programmable or a smart thermostat, now’s the time. Most smart thermostats have an “eco” mode that’s ideal for extended periods away (like your annual summer vacation). They can also “learn” your habits and adjust the temperature automatically according to your routine. This helps ensure that your home stays comfortable while you’re in it and turns it into a money-saving machine while you’re away.
8. Fire up the grill!
Baking, roasting and cooking on your range can heat your kitchen quickly. Can’t stand the heat? Get out of the kitchen! Use your grill, air fryer, slow cooker or microwave on hot days to keep your home cooler. If you must use the oven, try baking during the evening when outdoor temperatures are lower.
9. Cool your lights
Traditional incandescent bulbs produce more heat and use more energy than LEDs. By switching to LED bulbs, you’ll reduce heat buildup in your home and lower your electricity costs.
10. Take a free, DIY Home Energy Assessment
Explore the ins and outs of your home’s energy use by taking a free, online DIY Home Energy Assessment offered by TVA Energy-Right. By the end of your assessment, you’ll have learned more about how your home uses (and loses) energy. You’ll also gain access to an interactive dashboard with recommendations tailored to your home.
