Tennessee summers are intense. With our high humidity and scorching temperatures (especially in July and August) it’s no surprise our electric bills often spike. As a Nashville area homeowner, you’re likely looking for simple energy saving tips to cool your home without draining your wallet. The good news is there are plenty of smart, affordable ways to beat the heat while improving energy efficiency.
Use Ceiling Fans to Your Advantage
Ceiling fans are a cost-effective way to stay comfortable. When set to spin counterclockwise (as viewed from below), they push cool air down and create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler. Since fans cool people, not rooms, turn them off when you leave to avoid wasting electricity. When used properly, ceiling fans often let you raise the thermostat a few degrees and still feel cool. This can reduce your air conditioning use and help you save energy.
Adjust Your Thermostat Wisely
One of the most effective ways to save energy in summer is to set your thermostat higher. The Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB) recommends 78°F as a solid target.
Every degree you raise your thermostat can save on energy consumption and reduce your cooling costs by roughly 3%. Use an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat or programmable model to adjust temps while you’re away or sleeping. Remember not to crank your AC lower than normal when you get home. It won’t cool faster and can lead to excessive energy use.
Keep the Sun Out with Blinds and Curtains
Direct sunlight can turn your home into an oven. Close your blinds or curtains, especially on east- and west-facing windows, during the hottest part of the day to block incoming heat. Even light-colored or reflective treatments make a difference in keeping your space cooler and easing the load on your air conditioner.
Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation
It’s surprising how much cool air can leak out of your home due to air leaks and insufficient insulation. It’s like running your air conditioner every day, while leaving a window open. It’s important to seal the cracks around windows, doors, and other penetrations to keep the hot air out. Use caulk or weatherstripping to tighten up drafty spots.
Don’t forget your insulation levels too, especially in the attic. If your home is over twenty years old, it is most likely under-insulated by today’s energy standards. Bringing your attic insulation up to recommended levels can help cut your heating and cooling costs by up to 30% and keep unwanted air out in summer and winter. Together, air sealing and insulation can dramatically improve your home’s energy efficiency and put more money back in your pocket.
Ventilate and Reduce Indoor Heat & Humidity
Moisture and indoor heat make your air conditioning system work harder. Use bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to vent heat and humidity outside, not into the attic. Try to minimize any activities that generate a lot of heat during the hottest part of the day. Cook on an outdoor grill or use the microwave instead of the hot oven and run your dishwasher or laundry machines during cooler hours.
Minimizing the extra heat and humidity indoors keeps your home more comfortable naturally. It also eases the burden on your air conditioner, saving you money.
Maintain Your Cooling System
A well-maintained AC system cools more efficiently and uses less energy. It’s important to schedule routine HVAC maintenance and replace your filter monthly (or as recommended). A clogged filter restricts airflow, forcing your AC to work harder and driving up energy costs. Ensure you vacuum your air vents and return grilles periodically and make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture. Keep your outdoor unit clear of debris and avoid placing heat producing electronics or lamps near the thermostat. This can trick your thermostat into over cooling.
Remember that regular HVAC checkups help keep your cooling system running longer and more efficiently. This helps lower your energy bills, saving you money in the long run.
Partner with Hayes Insulation and Start Saving Today
You don’t need to suffer through the summer heat or pay for it with sky-high energy bills. Taking advantage of the summer energy saving strategies we mentioned lets you stay cool and save energy all summer long. Strategies such as using your ceiling fans effectively, sealing air leaks and boosting insulation, and keeping your system in shape can make a noticeable difference.
Now is the perfect time to prep your home for the next heat wave. Your comfort and your wallet will both benefit. If you’re looking to upgrade your insulation or improve your home’s efficiency, Hayes Insulation is here to help. Backed by over 40 years of experience and now proudly serving Nashville and its surrounding areas, our team delivers top-notch service with a focus on trust, integrity, professionalism, and excellence.
Whether you’re a Nashville homeowner or builder, you can count on Hayes Insulation to keep your projects cool, comfortable, and cost-efficient. Contact us today for your free estimate.
References
Energy.gov. (n.d.). Spring and summer energy saving tips. U.S. Department of Energy. Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips
ENERGY STAR. (n.d.). Ceiling fans: Installation and usage tips. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Retrieved from https://www.energystar.gov/products/ceiling_fans/installation-and-usage-tips
Knoxville Utilities Board. (n.d.). Energy saving tips. Retrieved from https://www.kub.org/save-money/electric-and-natural-gas-savings/energy-saving-tips
Tennessee Electric Cooperative Association. (2015, September 8). Shield your home from energy loss with adequate insulation. Retrieved from https://tnelectric.org/2015/09/08/shield-your-home-from-energy-loss-with-adequate-insulation/
Tennessee Magazine. (n.d.). Staying cool and saving energy. Retrieved from https://www.tnmagazine.org/staying-cool-and-saving-energy/
WVLT. (2023, June 28). How to save money while keeping cool summer months. Retrieved from Contact us today