Any Nevada County resident knows that our summers are hot. Hot for listings and hot temperatures. It always seems like the heat of summer drags on longer each year. Many residents make their ACs work. However, it’s important to find a way to keep your house cool without breaking the bank. You don’t want to have high electric bill all season long! So how do you keep your house cool when it hits the high 90s and 100s? Here are some easy ways you can save on your energy bills without suffering!
Technology
First, invest in a programmable thermostat. If you already have one, you know the benefits! Why have your A/C unit running ALL DAY when you don’t even get home until 5 p.m.? Program the unit to relax during the hotter part of the day and begin cooling the house down before you get home. If you want to take it a step further, get a smart thermostat that actually learns when you need a lower temperature. You can control it from your smartphone, so if you need to make adjustments on the go, it’s no problem!! You will see immediate savings on your energy bills if you take advantage of newer thermostats!
Home Decor
Curtains and blinds don’t have to be just for show! They can be an important key to keeping your house cool. If a window is on the sunny side of your house, tilt the blinds up slightly to prevent the rays from coming in. You don’t have to live in darkness, white blinds will still reflect plenty of light with less of the radiant heat. By adjusting the blinds and closing the curtains, you can be much more comfortable working, cleaning, or relaxing. It’s a little dark at times, but a nice lamp solves that problem.
Trees Are Your Friends
Trees are super prevalent in our county. They are not only awe-inspiring, but they also help keep everything below them cooler. If your home is surrounded by trees, you will be able notice that it keeps your home a lot cooler. So, next time you get annoyed at the amount of pine needles on your driveway, be thankful that that tree provides some protection for you and your family
Isolate Unused Rooms
If you are lucky enough to have an extra room you don’t use on a consistent basis, close the vent and the door to that room. It’s a great way to keep your house cool as the coveted air can be re-distributed to the rooms you do use.
Invest In Ceiling Fans
If you don’t have fans already, you may want to consider getting some. Keeping the air circulating can do wonders for the comfort level of your home! They help distribute the air while keeping you cooler. Moving air helps transport the heat you generate away from your body so you can cool down more quickly. Ceiling fans are worth the investment!
Save the Oven
Maybe it’s not the best idea to decide to bake at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Ovens generate an incredible amount of heat. That’s pretty much their job! That heat has to go somewhere, and that’s in your house! If you need to use the oven, try waiting until later in the evening so you are not competing with the A/C unit during the hottest part of the day.
Insulate
If you are a homeowner, attic insulation is not an expense, it’s an investment! Not only will it save you on your energy bills, it will also help extend the life of your roof — and keep your house a lot cooler! There are many theories on which insulation is best. If you are on a budget, just remember, any insulation is better than none at all! Your bank account will be glad you made the investment!
These are just a few of the ways to you stay more comfortable this summer. Just make sure that you do whatever makes you comfortable!
Looking to buy or sell in the Nevada County area? Give a Coldwell Banker agent a call today!
