How to lower your utility costs during the hottest months of the year
(ARA) - The dog days of summer can be brutal on utility bills and a major drain for pocketbooks, but they
don't have to be.
During the hottest months of the year, water is wasted due to over irrigation, and air conditioning
systems are forced to run longer to keep indoor temperatures cool. While scorching temperatures can push water and energy
consumption to its limits, there are ways to consume less and save more.
"Reducing water and energy consumption
isn't as difficult as many think," says Rhonda Hills of Kudzu.com, an online resource for homeowners looking for expert
home advice. "Even minor changes in behavior and small investments in energy-conscious materials can make a big difference."
The home experts at Kudzu.com recommend the following actions to provide short-term and long-term relief as the
mercury rises.
Install a soil or rain sensor - Soil and rain sensors are effective water conservation tools. Soil
sensors monitor the soil's moisture content and allow sprinklers to operate only when water is needed. Rain sensors detect
precipitation and shut off sprinklers if it is raining. Both devices are upgrades from traditional timers and can greatly
reduce water usage.
Seal openings around windows and doors - Cracks around windows and doors are a source of significant
energy loss. The U.S. Department of Energy reports more than 20 percent of the air entering and exiting the home does so around
windows and doors. Using caulk and weather stripping to seal around these vulnerable areas can make a significant difference
in the home's energy efficiency and monthly utility bills.
Replace old windows - Windows are a major source of
energy loss in most homes. Old, single-paned windows are inefficient and will allow radiant heat from the sun to increase
indoor temperatures. Replacing old windows with Energy Star-rated windows can save 7 to 15 percent on energy bills and increase
comfort within the home.
Use ceiling fans to circulate air - Ceiling fans do not reduce indoor temperatures, but
they can make the home feel more comfortable. Fans work by circulating air across the skin and creating a wind chill effect
which makes inhabitants feel cooler. It's been proven that using a fan can allow homeowners to turn up their thermostat by
4 degrees with no drop in comfort level. Ensure the fan's blades are turning counterclockwise during the summer to maximize
the wind chill effect.
Increase attic insulation - Adding insulation to a home is one of the fastest ways to reduce
energy consumption. More than 10 percent of the average utility bill goes to cooling a home, and insulation can help significantly
reduce the frequency and duration the air conditioning system is running. Only 20 percent of homes constructed prior to 1980
are properly insulated.
Replace incandescent bulbs - Light bulbs produce light, and they also produce heat as
a byproduct. Only about 10 percent of the energy consumed by a traditional light bulb is used to create light. The remainder
of the energy becomes heat. By switching to Energy Star-rated lighting, homeowners can consume less electricity and produce
less heat within their homes.
Visit Kudzu.com for more home improvement advice or to find a highly rated home
professional in your area that can help you get your summer projects done.
