How To Save on Your Electric Bill This Summer

One of the most common concerns for homeowners in the summer is a high electric bill, including our coastal Delaware customers. With high temperatures and humidity, keeping the house cool becomes a necessary relief. We want to give you some tips to help you maintain cool temperatures in your home and cut costs.

Consider Your Siding

When trying to cut your electric bill in the summer, siding may be the last thing you consider. But siding is also subject to the same rule about color: darker colors absorb more light, and as a result, more heat. When replacing your home’s siding, try lighter colors like beige to help reflect more of the sun’s rays.

Lighter siding isn’t the only way to lower internal house temperatures. Homes that are made from brick or concrete are best for maintaining temperature inside your home. This is because brick and concrete are better insulators than other lightweight materials. For added benefit, try painting the exterior of your brick home to a lighter color.

Another benefit of brick or concrete siding is its ability to handle humidity. Brick and concrete absorb humidity better than other materials and reduce your home’s chances of mold, mildew, and dust mites.

Reinforcing Your Windows

Your windows can make or break your home’s ability to regulate temperature. After colder, harsher temperatures and winter storms, your windows can take on significant damage. Window caulking can degrade, window seals can break down, and gapping in window panes releases the important gases trapped within. These weak spots allow outside air in—and inside air out.

Check your windows every spring after the end of the winter season. Look for cracked or broken caulking, gapping, or cracks in the window itself. Some simple repairs like removing old caulk and applying a new one can make all the difference. Should you need more serious window repair or replacement, be sure your windows are installed correctly to avoid spaces between the window frame and the home’s structure.

On breezy summer days and cooler nights, try opening your windows and cutting the AC. By installing window screens, you can enjoy the outside air without the outside pests.

Some Daily Housekeeping Tips

Keeping your home cool this summer doesn’t need to involve pricey upgrades or repairs. Try to build some basic energy-saving habits in your household. For example:

• Turn off the lights when you leave a room
• If the air is on, make sure windows and doors are completely shut
• Try using light fabrics and textiles
• If you open windows, open them at both ends of the house for better airflow and circulation
• Try cooking outside on the grill a few nights per week to reduce heat in the house
• Unplug unused electronics
• Use a dehumidifier

These tips are cost-friendly and energy-efficient solutions to reduce heat in your home. Especially for extremely hot, humid days, try these tricks in addition to turning on your air conditioner.

At Advance Inc., we are happy to assist you with in-home repairs or upgrades. Contact us today to speak to a representative.