Ways to Lower Your Utility Bills This Summer
Utility bills are typically highest in the summer and winter months. From electricity bills to gas and water, there are many variables that contribute to your expenses. As a homeowner, looking for ways to lower your monthly expenses can allow you to do reallocate funds to other things like home improvement projects or family vacations. If you’re looking for ways to lower your utility bills this summer, you can use some of these simple methods.
5 Simple Ways to Lower Your Utility Bills This Summer
Use Fans
If you’re serious about lowering your utility bills this summer, using fans is a great place to start. Fans consume a fraction of the amount of energy that an air conditioner would use. And the great thing about Orange County, is that summers also come with ocean breeze. From ceiling fans to spatial fans, bring out these air circulators and cut your energy bill down.
Close the Blinds
It’s been estimated that up to 20 percent of energy dissipates through the windows. That means that you’re losing energy and money through your windows. By closing your blinds, you’re lessening the dissipation. There are plenty of energy efficient window treatments and blinds available now that can help you lower your energy bills considerably. You’ll benefit from energy efficient window treatments in the winter months as well.
Install a Smart Thermostat
Even though Orange County summers are rather mild, residents are still going to choose to run the air conditioner. If you’re one of those people, make sure you set your thermostat before leaving the house. Or join the droves of people across the United States that are using smart thermostats in their homes. They’re perfect for saving energy. You’re able to control them remotely, adjust the thermostat and even turn off the air conditioner altogether from your phone if need be. The days of leaving the air conditioner on and a high energy bill resulting from it are over if you add a smart thermostat to your home.
Plant Trees Around the House
Trees provide natural shade. If you plant them around your home, especially around windows and bedrooms, you can benefit from the shield they provide. More shade equates to less heat entering your home. In turn, you won’t have to run your fans or air conditioner as much, which will lower your energy bills.
Use Low Flow Shower Heads
This simple swap can help save you money on your water bill, not just over the summer, but for the rest of the year. Low flow shower heads can save a family of four more than $100 over a year. Install a low flow shower head that has a flow rate of less than 2.5gpm and save between 50 and 150 gallons of water per month.
Find a Home in Orange County
If you want to make one of the most beautiful and most desirable places in Southern California your home, you need to enlist the help of a top local real estate agent. With more than 20 years of experience getting clients into their dream homes, Rosemary Hieber can help you find the home of your dreams. As the #1 Coldwell Banker Residential Agent in Ladera Ranch, Rosemary has the expertise and market knowledge to help you purchase your home in Orange County. Work with the Best and Call Rosemary Hieber today to find the listing for you.