Hot summer temperatures are not far off in Jackson, Mississippi. But don’t let the costs of keeping your home cool during the summer get out of control. Use these tips to reduce your overall energy costs this summer.
Conserve Hot Water
It’s important to conserve hot water to keep your energy costs down. Wrap your electric water heater with a water heater blanket, which keeps it from losing heat and maintain a constant temperature. It’s best to set the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees Fahrenheit with or without a blanket, but no higher than 130 degrees with the blanket to prevent overheating.
Seal the Air Leaks
Air leaks are one of the largest sources of energy loss in homes. Check around your plumbing fixtures, light switches, doors, and windows to make sure air isn’t entering. For windows and doors that won’t close tightly, install weather stripping. If you encounter holes, use caulk on smaller ones and expanding foam on larger ones.
Upgrade Your Thermostat
A programmable thermostat will help you regulate the temperature in your house. Installing a smart thermostat allows you to control the HVAC system from almost anywhere thanks to your mobile device and thermostat app. That way if you’re planning to be away from home and forgot to adjust your thermostat, you can reset the temperature while you’re not at home.
Use Your Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans cool people not the air. The breeze produced by a ceiling fan as it passes across your skin helps you feel several degrees cooler than the actual room temperature. Make sure your fan is turning counter-clockwise in the summer and clockwise in the winter months to maximize the advantages of a ceiling fan.
In addition to following these energy-saving tips, having a well-maintained HVAC system is vital in saving money. Regular maintenance is your best strategy for avoiding costly repairs. Contact Hux Air Conditioning to schedule an HVAC tuneup to make sure it’s operating correctly.
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