The hot temperatures are here to stay as we’re in the prime of a Texas summer in the Hill Country and Austin. At Mallach & Company, we know how brutal the heat can be and how expensive AC can be as you try to keep yourself and your home cool. Here are some affordable tips and tricks to keep your home cool and lower your electricity bill.
Keep curtains closed during the hottest hours
While letting the sunshine in sounds like a good idea at first, it’s also allowing the heat inside. Instead, keep the curtains and blinds closed, especially during the hottest part of the day. Investing in blackout curtains will help give natural insulation to a room to keep the cool air inside. They’re also great for a great night’s sleep!
Check for air escaping from doors and windows
Cracks in windows and doors will cause the cool air to escape and cause the AC to keep running as it tries to replace the air. Seal any cracks to increase insulation as it’ll keep the cool air in and stop the hot air from entering.
Use fans for circulation and staying cool
Fans are a great low-cost option as they’ll help circulate the air. A whole house fan is worth the investment if you don’t have air conditioning already. The pros are being energy efficient, cooling your home quickly, and causing little to no noise. The con could be the price tag depending on what type and model you find.
Install LED bulbs
Did you know incandescent light bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat. If you replace them with energy-efficient LED bulbs, you’re saving yourself heat and money. LED lights last for 25,000 hours, a massive increase from the 1,200 hours incandescent bulbs provide. And they’re not that expensive! A win-win for you, your home, and your wallet!
Install a smart thermostat
While it may be an investment of $100-$200 for the device, it will save you money in the long run. Nest found in a study that their customers saved 15% on cooling costs, about $130 to $145 a year. It’ll benefit your wallet and the environment since the thermostat will adapt to your home needs, saving energy and money.
Replace your air filters
If you have AC and are utilizing it, don’t forget about AC maintenance! Old air filters full of dust aren’t healthy, and it blocks airflow to the rest of the home. Replacing your air filters should always be on your summer home improvement list. It’s an easy, affordable task to keep your home cool.
While your property may be cool and chill, the real estate market isn’t! If you want to sell and get the most out of your home in the Texas Hill Country, contact Mallach & Company today!
