There are many ways in which we can make our homes more sustainable while still preserving efficiency and cutting costs. One way to do this is by reducing your energy consumption by using renewable resources such as solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal heat pumps. Another way to be more sustainable is by spending less on heating and cooling bills without compromising comfort with these smart ways to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Below are a few smart and easy ideas to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter:
Choose Windows Wisely
When it comes to insulation, windows are the first place to look. Installing new energy-efficient windows will reduce your cost of utility bills by reducing heat transfer through the windows. This is possible due to multi-pane glass with argon gas, low-E coatings on window glasses that reflect infrared radiation and UV rays, and tight-fitting or insulated frames.
Choose to Use AC Less Often
As we go about our lives, many of us use air conditioning (AC) for most of the summer and heating in the winter. This not only raises your utility costs but also reduces your comfort levels when too much energy is used. You can use ceiling fans instead of AC to reduce the temperature in your home. Ceiling fans use a fraction of the energy that AC units do and make you feel 3 to 4 degrees cooler.
When Using AC, Keep Your Windows Shut
While cooling your house with air conditioning, it’s important to remember not to let the cold air escape from open windows. Keeping your windows shut while using AC allows the cool air to remain in your home. It will take longer for the room to heat up, but once it does, you’ll have a much more comfortable space without having to run the unit continuously.
Use Shade as an Alternative to Air Conditioning
Installing an overhang or shade over your windows can reduce the need for air conditioning. While placing something like this on your house may seem like a big project, it is very simple and inexpensive to do. You’ll be effectively blocking harsh rays outside, which will keep heat out of your home. This also reduces the need for having to cool your home, meaning you can save money each month on your utility bill.
Decorate with Perennials and Other Greenery
Install a garden just outside your house to take advantage of the ventilation and decrease reliance on air conditioning. Not only will you be giving yourself access to fresh air, but flowers and other greenery can help you lower your cooling bills. Flowers are natural humidifiers that release water vapor into the air, which helps keep moisture levels up inside the house. This will reduce the need for running a dehumidifier and keep your home feeling and smelling fresh all year round.
You can also consider hiring a company offering turf and artificial lawn installation services. Using the material means you can stop using commercial fertilizer, reduce water use, and do away with pesticides.
Use Water Wisely
Another easy way to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter is to wash full loads of laundry. This will reduce your utility bills by not running a second load after only loading half the clothes from the first.
In addition, you can install low-flow showerheads or dual flush toilets so you don’t use as much water. Most low-flow showerheads can reduce water use by 40 percent, and dual flush toilets allow you to choose between a full flush (6 liters) and a half or partial flush (3 liters). You can also consider installing timer faucets to reduce the amount of water used while doing dishes or washing your hands by hand.
Set Up a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are a great way to automatically reduce your utility bills. They’re cost-effective, easy to use, and can reduce energy usage up to 15 percent per year. You can configure the device to adjust the temperature of your home depending on certain parameters for convenience and comfort levels.
Install Solar Panels
Installing solar panels in your home is a great way to reduce energy consumption. You can take advantage of the available sunlight to power components like heating and cooling systems. These alternative sources of energy give you more control over how much energy you use while also cutting down on your monthly utility bill.
You can also use solar panels to heat your pool. This option doesn’t require a lot of energy and you’ll get free hot water for your outdoor area.
Making your home sustainable allows you to reduce energy costs while helping save the environment.
