As simple as it may seem, closing your blinds will help keep the cool air in and the hot sun out. For those of you who enjoy natural light, pick a select few to keep open but try to avoid western-facing windows.
Summer time means summer activities and being out of the house. If you own a two story home and no one is frequenting the upstairs, turn the AC off. When you return home, turn the AC on once you go back upstairs. There’s no reason to have the AC on if no one is benefiting from it! Also as a general rule, keep the thermostat at a reasonable temperature. If it’s getting warm, turn on a fan or eat a popsicle. ‘Tis summer season!
Here in Fresno and Clovis, we are lucky to have cool summer nights. Once the sun goes down, the temperature drops and the air can feel quite refreshing. Take advantage of the cool air and open your windows at night. This way, cool air can come in and keep your home cooler longer into the morning. Now, you don’t have to turn on the AC until later in the day! When you wake up in the morning, just remember to close the windows before the temperature start rising.
With kids running in and out of the house, the door is sometimes forgotten. Remind the youngsters to close the door behind them. You can also use this tip when bringing groceries in from the car. It may be less convenient to close it each time you come in and out, but you will appreciate it later!
Take advantage of the dry spell and install an outdoor clothesline to hang your laundry in the summer sun. This will save you money on electricity by skipping the dryer and give your sheets a nice outdoor smell. It’s a win-win!
When you aren’t in a room, be sure to turn the lights off. This will not only help with saving electricity, but it will also keep the room cooler. You’d be amazed at how much heat lights can put out!
7. Fans! Fans! Fans!That’s right; fans are a great alternative to air-conditioning. Plus, it’s cheaper! Throw on the ceiling fans and get a couple portable fans and you’re good to go.
Though you may not be using the appliance, electricity is still being consumed because it’s plugged in. If you have a coffee maker or other appliances that don’t have to be plugged in 24/7, unplug it!
Fresno and Clovis homes are asked to run on a sprinkler schedule in order to help save water during the summer months. Not only does this benefit the city, but it benefits your water consumption! Follow the schedule of even-numbered homes on Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Sundays, and odd-numbered homes on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and/or Saturdays.
Kids love running through the large sprinklers attached to the hose, or just spraying each other with the hose! Be sure to remind your kids to turn off the hose when they are no longer using it.
During the summer, it doesn’t take the water heater very long to warm up. This means your shower will be hot in no time! Do your best to not let the water run for too long before getting into the shower, while washing dishes, or when you brush your teeth. These small habits will make a positive impact on your water usage.
Pools are, hands down, used most during the summer. With use comes the necessity to run the cleaner. Do yourself a favor and set the pool sweep to run on a scheduled time each day. This way you know that your pool is getting cleaned and you don’t accidentally run the pool sweep and use the water pump more than once a day.
With these tips, you are now ready to conquer the heat and save on your utilities.
To learn more about the advanced building science and technology built into every De Young SmartHome, visit a De Young Welcome Center today!
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