Keeping a home comfortable in the warmest months of the year can be difficult and costly. Use these helpful tips to reduce cooling costs this summer. You’ll save money on the power bill while maintaining cool and comfortable living spaces.

Use the Ceiling Fans to Reduce Cooling Costs in Summer

Because ceiling fans circulate air, they create a wind chill effect that makes a room feel a few degrees cooler than it is. In the summertime, make sure your fan blades are rotating in a counterclockwise direction. Family members in the space will feel more comfortable as the ceiling fans improve airflow.

Open the Windows in the Evening

Especially if you don’t have an air conditioning system, open the windows in the evenings when it’s not as hot out. As the sun goes down, temperatures outdoors drop. With the windows open, use fans to circulate the cooler night air throughout your home.

Close the Blinds

Sunlight coming through the windows will warm your living spaces, forcing the air conditioning system to work harder and take longer to cool your home. During the day, close the shades or window blinds to block the radiant heat of the sun. Develop a habit of closing the curtains before you leave for work in the morning and opening them again in the evening when you come home.

Reduce Cooling Costs: Grill Outdoors

When you prepare food using the stove or oven, the appliance also heats the room. The air conditioning system works harder to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home.

If you’re serious about reducing cooling costs, prepare more meals outdoors on the grill. The heat from cooking will dissipate into the outside air and won’t affect the temperature of your kitchen. Another option is to make cold meals in the summer. Sandwiches and salads are delicious options and don’t require heat to prepare.

Install a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable thermostat is an inexpensive and easy way to control the temperature inside your home. Set the thermostat to different temperatures for certain times of the day. For example, program the thermostat to save money while you are away at work. Set it to return your home to a more comfortable temperature a few minutes before you arrive.

If you enjoy technology, a smart thermostat is a great option. Manage the thermostat via your smartphone, or use a home hub like Google Assistant or Alexa. Adjust the temperature inside your home while watching TV, from the office, or when you’re out of town.

There are easy ways to lower utility bills while keeping your home comfortable. The summer heat usually means costly cooling bills; however, with these tips, you can save money and keep your family comfortable.

Inspect It Neil provides home inspections to customers in New Jersey. If you’re buying or selling a home, contact us to schedule an appointment for our services.