Home Maintenance Tips to Keep Cool on a Budget

By Mark Spain Real Estate

Here are our favorite home maintenance tips to keep cool on a budget. As the temperature rises, so can your home bill! With the kids home for the summer and weekly pool days, it can be easy to forget about smaller things that cause a big dent in your budget. Maximize your total savings this summer by making a few small changes that will make a big impact! 

Keeping Cool on a Budget – Check Your Windows

Have you checked all of your windows recently? Old and poorly sealed windows can have leaks and cracks which can let cool air flow out of your home. Caulking these leaks and weather stripping your windows can help make sure that the cool air stays inside. If your windows are particularly old, it may be time to consider an upgrade to new energy efficient windows.

Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart Thermostats can reduce your energy bill in a number of ways. You can program the thermostat to adjust the temperature in your home based on the times you are out of the house, when you are asleep and when you are home. According to the Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% annually on your AC bill just by using a programmable thermostat.

 

Plant Some Shade

Rather than simply buying new curtains and blinds to decrease the amount of sunlight being let into your home, invest in new plants to keep cool on a budget! Shade trees and shrubs are a great way to not only add to the curb appeal of your home, but you’ll also reap the benefits of natural shade! Plants not only block sunlight, but also absorb some of the heat that is radiated on to your home. Plants along with your favorite curtains will do a fantastic job at reducing the amount of heat exposed to your home.

Insulate Your Home

Insulation is commonly known as something that keeps us warm in the winter, but it also keeps us cool in the summer! Insulation prevents air from leaking out of your home and keeps outdoor air from coming inside. Attics, walls and crawl spaces are notorious for losing the air inside your home. If you’ve noticed your power bills starting to spike, consider adding additional insulation to your home, especially if you live in an older home to keep cool on a budget.

Inspect Your Air Conditioning System

AC is the main way you’ll be keep cool on a budget this summer, so you want to make sure that it’s working efficiently! An inefficient AC system or a system that needs repair can cost you hundreds of dollars that you aren’t even aware of! Simply clearing a clogged AC filter can save you 5-15% in energy use, and it’s easy to do by yourself. Consider hiring a local contractor to service your AC unit; it could be one of the most energy efficient things you can do to save money this summer. Make sure your contractor cleans the system as well as checks the voltage connections to ensure that your AC unit is working at its full potential.

Follow these simple home maintenance tips and not only will you ensure that your home is in good condition for years to come, but you’ll be sure to keep cool on a budget!

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