Summer Energy Savings Tips for Southern Homeowners

Summer in the South means long days filled with sunshine, backyard barbecues, and the challenge of keeping your home cool as temperatures soar. As the heat sets in and energy bills start to rise, it's time to get smart about staying comfortable without breaking the bank. Here are our favorite home tips to help the environment, ease the pain in your wallet, and keep your family cool.

Energy Savings Tip #1 – Turn on the Fans

Flipping on yet another switch may seem counterintuitive when your goal is to minimize electricity use. However, adding air movement to a room with a fan can make your air conditioner work more efficiently. With a fan circulating the air, you can raise your thermostat by 4 degrees and still stay comfortable.

Remember, though, that fans don’t lower the temperature; they just create a cooling breeze. If no one is there to feel it, turn the fan off to save energy.

Energy Savings Tip #2 – Use Cold Water for Laundry

Your clothes can get just as clean in cold water as they do in hot water. Keep your washing machine set to cold wash and cold rinse year-round, and you could save up to $200 annually on your energy bills.

Energy Savings Tip #3 – Close Your Blinds

Closing your blinds or curtains is an easy way to cut down on the heat filtering into a room. If you prefer not to sit in the dark all day, be mindful of your southern and western-facing windows, which let in the most heat. Northern-facing windows allow only minimal heat gain, so let natural light in through those instead.

Energy Savings Tip #4 – Dehumidify

When humidity levels are high, your air conditioner works extra hard to both cool the air and remove moisture. An energy-efficient dehumidifier can help reduce your cooling costs and make your home more comfortable. You can also reduce indoor humidity by using ventilation fans when you shower, cook, or do laundry.

Energy Savings Tip #5 – Adjust Your Thermostat

Most experts recommend keeping your thermostat set at 78 degrees for the optimal balance of comfort and energy efficiency. For each degree above 72 degrees, you can save up to 3 percent on your energy costs. Use a programmable thermostat or smart technology to keep your home a few degrees warmer when you’re not there and cool it down just before you return.

Energy Savings Tip #6 – Buy a HERS® Index Rated Home From True Homes

A third-party inspector tests and certifies each home built by True Homes with a Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS®) score. This scoring system rates homes against an industry standard established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), set at 100 on the HERS Index. True Homes construction consistently rates 76, or 24 points more efficient than the standard for new construction, and a full 54 points more efficient than a typical existing home.

True Homes achieves these energy-efficient standards through green construction practices, sourcing of green materials, and the inclusion of energy-efficient systems and appliances throughout each home. This not only helps the environment but also produces thousands of dollars in energy savings for homeowners. Find your dream home that is built for the summer heat with True Homes!