7 Ways to Save Energy & Stay Cool this Summer

Beathe Heat With the summer sun beating down on homes all across the nation, many homeowners are looking for ways to stay cool without paying their entire paycheck to the utility company. Here are some tips for keeping your home cool, while conserving energy! |10% Give your A/C unit a helping hand According to the US Dept of Energy, placing your A/C unit in the shade can reduce energy usage by up to 10%. Plant trees in the right places Deciduous trees planted on the south side of your home will provide shade in the summer, but not block sunlight during the winter. Effective shading can reduce the temperature in your home by up to 20° F. Clean out the condensing unit Keep grass clippings, leaves and debris out of your condensing unit. A clean condensing unit operates much more efficiently. 3 Let your attic breathe! Improving ventilation can drop your attic's temperature by 10-30° F. 4 Choose light-colored roofing A study in New York City showed the dramatic temperature difference a paler roof can make on inside temperatures: 80° | 105° Insulate eal your ho The EPA estimates the average home can reduce heating and cooling costs by 20% with better insulation and sealing. Stop the sun from peeking in your windows The California Energy Commission estimates that 40% of heat buildup in homes comes via the windows. Awnings, shutters, or solar mesh shades can reduce heat gain. Heat gain reduced by 77% Sources: http://wwwl.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/m/air_conditioners.html http://saveenergy.about.com/od/energyefficientlandscapes/qt/Lawn.htm http://www.weather.com/home-garden/home-improvement/cooling-home-naturally-20120329 http://www.sbse.org/awards/docs/Sandifer.pdf http://eartheasy.com/blog/2012/07/white-roofs-offer-a-simple-strategy-to-help-combat-global-warming/ http://energysmartohio.com/plan-your-job/attic-ventilation