Summer is going by quickly, but we here in North Carolina know that the warm temperatures will still be around for quite some time. During the summer months, it is common to see a spike in your energy bill. However, there are a few things you can do to help keep your house cool but keep your energy bill low.

1. Keep your thermostat set to a higher temperature. This one seems obvious, but it is a good reminder. The less work your HVAC must do to keep your temperature cool, the less energy it will use. Using a smart thermostat can also help you by adjusting your temperature when no one is home and then resetting it on your way home.
2. Keep blinds and drapes closed. We love to have natural light pouring into our home, but if you can keep your blinds and drapes closed in rooms you are not in, it could help reduce your heat gain by up to 45%! This reduction of heat gain results in a cooler room, meaning your air condition unit will not have to work as hard to keep your house cool. In addition to keeping blinds and drapes closed in rooms you are not in, keeping the doors closed can also help keep rooms cool.
3. Utilize ceiling fans and portable fans to keep you cool. Ceiling fans are much more cost-efficient than air conditioning. The regular movement of air helps create a wind chill effect which makes the air feel cooler than it is. This in turn allows your thermostat to be turned up to a higher degree, saving on your energy consumption.
4. Unplug devices you are not using. Even if devices are not in use, if they are left plugged in, they can still consume electricity, often referred to as “phantom load”. If you don’t think that these devices really add up to much for your electric bill, the U.S. Department of Energy says that on average, 75% of electricity used to power home electronics and appliances is used while the products are turned off.
5. Regularly clean and replace your air conditioning vents and returns. These vents trap dust, hair, and dirt that is in your home. We suggest changing the air filters every 2-3 months. A clean air conditioner is an effective one and the more effective your air conditioner is, the less energy it will consume.
6. Invest in energy-efficient windows, HVAC, and appliances. While there might be a higher initial cost, investing in energy-efficient windows, HVAC, and appliances, when possible, will greatly affect the cost of your power bill over time. In energy-efficient windows, low-emissivity glass is used to help block the rays of the sun which keeps the heat outside when it’s hot and inside when it is cold. For HVAC and appliances, energy efficiency means they use less energy to get the job done. If you are interested in learning more about the energy-efficient options we have at Harbinger Homes, contact us and we would love to talk with you.

We hope that you can use these tips to keep your energy bill lower this summer. Summer should be spent doing fun things like traveling to the beach or attending a local festival, not worrying about your power bill. There are a lot of activities going on in the communities where we build and we know there is something for everyone. We would love to help you find your perfect home in the right community for you. Let us help you discover a life well crafted.