How to Stay Cool in the Summer Without Going Broke

How to Stay Cool in the Summer Without Going Broke

May 30, 2019

Texas is known for its unrelenting summer sunshine. While the sunny months allow for perfect views of beautiful blue skies, it can be hard to beat the heat. As the outside temperatures climb above 100 degrees, families often find it difficult to keep themselves and their loved ones comfortable. Most people simply blast the air conditioner to full capacity, and stomach several months’ worth of outrageous utility bills. However, with rates continually increasing, many households are looking for ways to reduce their energy usage. At Mr. Electric of Dallas, we enjoy helping our North Texas residential and commercial clients find new ways to improve their electrical efficiency and safety. Here are a few ways you can stay cool this summer, without going into debt. 

Adjust the Thermostat Settings by 5-10 Degrees

The US Department of Energy has stated that property owners can expect to save 1% for a single adjusted degree during an 8-hour period. That means, if you normally lower your thermostat to 65 degrees in the summer, switching the settings to 70 or 75 through most the day could shave off 5% to 10% of your monthly costs.

Leave the Air Conditioner Off When Possible

Take advantage of cool nights and mornings by shutting off the Air Conditioner all together and opening some windows. You’ll give your home a dose of fresh air, bring in pleasant summertime breezes, and save a lot more cash. 

Clean the Vents and Replace Dirty Filters

Don’t make your Air Conditioner work harder than it needs to. Before summer arrives, prepare your unit by cleaning out the vents and replace all filters. This will help make your entire cooling system much more efficient, which will in turn effect the amount of money you’ll spend over the next year. 

Switch to a Smart Thermostat

Go high tech with a smart thermostat. These devices work great on their own, or can be networked with other appliances for a total smart home system. Smart thermostats offer a wide range of benefits, including analytics data for energy consumption and the ability to control and monitor your heating and cooling system remotely via smart phone apps. 

Check Your Insulation 

If you live in an older home, you could be spending a fortune trying to keep your home comfortable in the summer and winter. Consider investing in an inspection to see if the existing insulation is worn out or deteriorating. If so, replacing it with new insulation will help make it easy to regulate the temperature inside your home. 

Install Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans don’t require much energy, but they can help create a breeze in a stuffy room. Installing a ceiling fan will help to circulate the air, to ensure maximum comfort, which will allow you to raise the temperature settings on your thermostat slightly, without breaking a sweat. 

Use Heavy Drapes

Luxurious heavy drapes aren’t just useful for design purposes. They also perform double duty by blocking out the harsh rays of the summer sun during the daytime. If you prefer not to hide your gorgeous views, you can opt for heat control solar screens or sun filtering window film. 

Ready to Save on Your Electric Bills? Call Mr. Electric of Dallas Today

Are you looking for more ways to reduce your energy costs? Then call the experts at Mr. Electric of Dallas. Our certified, licensed and insured electricians are ready to help you reach your goals. Contact our office today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.