Hi Guys! Rising temperatures in summer can make it hard to rest at home. Therefore, We have to consider exploring air conditioning alternatives that can help keep your home cool and comfortable during the summer months.
However, to keep cool, many people depend on using air conditioning during summer, but always operating your AC can cause astronomical energy costs.
To solve this issue there are many home cooling solutions which can significantly reduce energy consumption during the hot months that not only enables you to remain cooler in summer but also helps you cut cooling costs and save power over time. By improving your house’s insulation, airflow, and energy efficiency, these home projects focus on year round comfort.
Here in this article, I would like to share with you 7 tips for home upgrades to stay cool this summer and cut your cooling cost without compromising your high level of comfort. To make your life more easier the approximate cost for each upgrade will be discussed with maintenance tips.
Well! Here are some easy ways to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and save money on cooling costs. Implementing these energy-saving strategies can truly make your home cool and comfortable while enhancing energy efficiency.
7 Simple Home Upgrades to Stay Cool
1. Install a Programmable Thermostat
One inexpensive improvement that could really increase the performance of the heating and cooling systems in your house is a programmable thermostat. This device can help you manage your home’s temperature efficiently, allowing your AC to work less and save money on cooling costs.
With this unit, you can establish particular temperature schedules; therefore your central air conditioning will not run at night when cool temperatures are naturally present or when you are not at home, helping you reduce your energy costs.
You can set the thermostat to increase the temperature by several degrees while you are at work and then to drop it right before you arrive home, thus guaranteeing comfort without wasting energy. In addition to enabling you to control your cooling demands, some intelligent thermostats even learn your preferences and change themselves as per your requirements, which can be a great way to cut air conditioning costs.
Using a programmable thermostat not only helps to keep your house cooler in the summer but also reduces your energy expenditure by limiting unnecessary air conditioning usage. Therefore, the use of a smart well-calibrated thermostat is quite essential to control your electricity bill and keep your home comfortable with these tips how to keep your house cool during the summer without high energy cost.
2. Install Energy Saving Windows
Energy efficient windows are made to reduce heat transfer, hence allowing your home to remain cool in the more warm months. It has been practically observed that if you use normal standard windows then control of outside heat into your home is quite a challenging step, hence forcing your air conditioner to run more.
Therefore, to control the flow of heat from outside the best solution is to apply energy efficient low emissivity coatings on the window glass, which really works so well that it can block up to 70% of sunlight. These coatings reflect infrared light (heat) still lets natural light in, as a result your air-conditioner works very efficiently and save energy.
These smart Energy Star efficient windows can significantly lower your heating and cooling costs. In addition, these smart windows can reduce the level of glare and UV damage to your carpets and furniture in your home and keep your home cool, therefore offering a further level of advantage.
Though upgrading to energy efficient windows has an initial cost, the long term savings on cooling costs make it a smarter choice to invest for Energy efficient Energy-efficient windows that help keep your home cool in hot weather.
3. Mount Ceiling Fans
A cheap and straight forward way to cool down your house without depending totally on the use of air conditioning is ceiling fans. Whereas air conditioning reduces the room temperature, ceiling fans circulate air to generate a wind chill effect that cools the room.
The soft wind may lower the room temperature by many degrees, so you can easily control your thermostat and prevent the air conditioner from being overused.
By fitting ceiling fans in key points like living room, bedrooms, kitchen, the energy efficient ceiling fan ensures air circulation properly and correctly.Now in the market energy efficient ceiling fans are available which consumes almost 70watt or less and control by remote control to use the ceiling fans in more convenient way.Ceiling fans are rather easy to install and run with much less energy than an air conditioner, hence they also serve to improve comfort.
4. Installation of Smart Energy Efficient Reflecting Coatings
Reflective roofing is meant to reflect more sunlight and consume less heat than conventional roofing materials. Standard black roofing materials absorb much of the heat, which then radiates into your home and raises internal temperatures, increasing your electric bill. Reflective roofing installation can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s rays, keeping your home cooler and reducing energy consumption.
This improvement is especially advantageous in hot areas since it can significantly reduce how much heat your house receives. Reflective roofing also helps to raise the energy efficiency of your house by reducing the demand on your air conditioning system, therefore cutting your cooling expenses and making your home cool this summer while allowing you to save up to 10%.
Cool roofs also have staying power and could preserve the life of your roof. Therefore,” reflective roofing setups are meant to lower inside temperatures in warm regions; therefore, install reflective roofing to help keep your home cool during the summer months and reduce energy consumption.
5. Adequate Insulation in Walls and Attics
Well! Generally, insulation is believed to retain heat during winter, but it has been observed practically that even during summer, to keep the cool air inside, the use of insulation is equally good. By acting as a barrier to keep heat from entering, insulation on your walls, in your attic, and even on your floors can help you keep a cool home and comfortable indoor surroundings.
Therefore, adequate insulation into walls and attics can significantly impact your energy bill by keeping your home cool.Insulation in the walls can assist to preserve inside air cool by stopping heat from outside from traveling, while in the attic it can help stop hot air from seeping into your living areas below, ultimately helping you stay cool this summer.
For summer, attic insulation can increase the general energy efficiency of your house, thereby enabling you to control a comfortable temperature without straining your air conditioning unit. “By improving the insulation of your home, you keep cool in summer and minimize cooling expenditures.”
6. Improve Your Outdoor Landscaping
The internal temperature of your house can be a lot affected by your exterior surroundings. Strategic landscaping helps to cut down on the heat that radiates onto your home, which can make a significant difference in saving money on cooling costs by blocking the sun’s rays.
Near windows or on the south and west sides of your house, one of the best ways to do this is to set trellises with climbing vines or plant trees to help cool your house this summer. The less of direct sunlight your house gets, the cooler will be the rooms and the less energy your home’s exterior would consume.
Think about sowing deciduous trees; they shade in the summer and shed leaves throughout the winter, enabling sunlight to heat your home when it’s desired. Using outdoor shading solutions including pergolas, awnings, and outdoor curtains can also shield windows and decks from the sun and help to further limit heat gain through these Inexpensive solutions to beat the summer heat and improve your home.
7. Close Gaps And Leaks
Well! It has been observed that typical trouble spots are spaces around window frames, under doors, and around electrical points. By sealing these trouble spots leaks, the overall energy efficiency of your house will go up and your cooling system will works more effectively with energy savings.
This way is quite cheap and a good way to raise the comfort level of your home during the summer time and this is finest summer renovations to help save money on AC and maintain your house cool & comfortable.
Letting hot air inside and cold air escape, little openings and leaks throughout the doors, windows, and other parts of your house make it difficult to keep a pleasant indoor temperature and increase your electric bill. By using weather stripping, caulking, or foam insulation to seal these gaps, one can have a more airtight house and stop heat from coming in summer.
Now I would like to share with you some cost estimations related to energy-efficient upgrades recommended by the Department of Energy.
Approximate Cost Estimation for Each Upgrade
Now I would like to share with you rough cost estimations for each of these 7 home upgrades to keep you cool in summer with these cost effective energy efficient tips without breaking the bank.
Moreover, since these prices are just tentative estimations to give you an idea and prices may vary from region to region and also depending upon the size of your home, the materials chosen, and labor costs in your region, you can find ways to save on your energy bill and reduce money on cooling costs.
1. Cost to Install a Programmable Thermostat
• DIY Cost: $25 – $100 (for a basic model)
• Professional Installation Cost: $100 – $300
• Total Estimated Cost: $25 – $300
Since, the cost of installing programmable thermostat is relatively affordable, however, the prices may vary depending on features and functions. However, the smart thermostat will cost you more but provide more advanced operating functions including operating your remote control through smartphone.
2. Cost to Upgrade Energy-Efficient Windows
• Cost per Window (Energy-Efficient): $300 – $1,000
• Total Cost for Full Home (10 windows): $3,000 – $10,000
Well! Installation cost for upgrading the energy-efficient windows is on a higher side, especially if you are replacing all the windows in your home. The approximate cost will depend on the window size, frame material (vinyl, wood, or fiberglass), and the type of Low-E coating or other energy-saving features that can help cut air conditioning costs. This upgrade can create a significant impact on reducing cooling costs.
3. Cost to Install Ceiling Fans as a Cost-effective Way
• Cost per Fan (Basic Model): $50 – $150
• Professional Installation (per fan): $100 – $300
• Total Estimated Cost for 3 fans: $450 – $1,500
Installation of energy efficient ceiling fans is a quite cost-effective solution to save energy and if you have proper skill the installation of these fans is not a big deal to save money. However, keeping in view your safety and optimal placement the services of a professional may be hired. Install Ceiling Fans as a cost-effective way to help keep your home cool and comfortable during the summer months.
4. Cost Estimation for Reflective Roofing
• Cost per Square Foot (Reflective Coating): $0.50 – $2.50
• Total Cost for Roof (1,500 sq. ft. home): $750 – $3,750, a worthwhile investment for those looking to cut cooling costs and reduce their energy use.
• Full Roof Replacement with Cool Roofing Materials: $5,000 – $12,000
You can easily apply reflective roofing on your existing roof, or you can replace your roof with cool roofing materials to help cool a room during the summer. However, to enjoy more comfortable summer days, consider implementing energy-efficient solutions and advisable to go for full replacement which is comparatively expensive but in the long run pay you back with all benefits.
5. Cost for Install Insulation in Attics and Walls
• Cost per Square Foot (Attic Insulation): $1 – $3, which can significantly reduce your energy bill and contribute to making your home cool this summer while also helping to heat your home in the winter.
• Cost per Square Foot (Wall Insulation): $0.50 – $2
• Total Cost for Attic Insulation (1,000 sq. ft.) : $1,000 – $3,000
• Total Cost for Wall Insulation (1,500 sq. ft.): $750 – $3,000
The approximate cost for insulting attic and walls will depend on so many factor including nature and type of insulation materials like fiberglass, cellulose or spray foam and of course the area to be insulated.
6. Approximate Cost to Upgrade Your Outdoor Landscaping
• Cost of Trees (per tree): $50 – $500 (depending on size and type), which can help improve air quality around your home.
• Cost of Pergola or Awning: $1,000 – $3,000
• Total Landscaping Cost: $500 – $5,000+
Well! The cost of landscaping may vary in real sense from low cost and affordable choices like planting shade trees or installing small outdoor shade structures to more expensive option which includes building a pergola or large shade sails.
7. Cost Estimation for Seal Gaps and Leaks
• DIY Weather stripping Kit: $10 – $30
• Cost for Professional Sealing (whole house): $200 – $1,000
As a low-cost option, sealing gaps and leaks can normally be done with your little efforts and time to save money using weather stripping and caulking, which are effective ways to cut air conditioning costs. In case you are busy bird and don’t have enough time to carry out this, hire the services of a professional therefore, Sealing Gaps and Leaks: is one of the 7 easy ways to enhance your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your cooling costs.
Total Estimated Cost for All Upgrades (Low-End to High-End)
• Low-End Estimate (DIY Approach): $6,000
• High-End Estimate (Full Professional Installation): $30,000 can be offset by the savings in heating and cooling costs over time.
The price of the renovations, both professionally mounted (for the more advanced upgrades such as window replacement, insulation, and roofing) and DIY efforts (for the more manageable ones including trimming gaps, installing ceiling fans, or adding landscaping), are included in this estimate.
Though the initial costs should be considered, these improvements may provide long term savings by lowering energy costs. Many of these initiatives can also help to improve your home’s value, thereby providing a return on investment upon sale while enhancing air quality.
7 Maintenance Tips for Simple Home Upgrades
Maintenance advice to keep your house cool during the summer and your cooling updates operating smoothly includes implementing effective cooling strategies.
1. Keep your Programmable Thermostat
• Check settings regularly: ensure the thermostat is set for summer warmth to keep your home comfortable. Make sure it is at a pleasant temperature when you are home and set higher (to conserve energy) when you are gone to help reduce money on cooling costs.
• Change the Batteries: At least before the summer starts, or yearly, replace the batteries in a battery-operated thermostat to ensure it helps cool your home efficiently.
• Clean the thermostat: Dust and grime could alter the accuracy of temperature reading, impacting ways to keep your home cooler in the summer. Clean it frequently with a gentle cloth.
2. Dust and Look After Ceiling Fans
• Clean blades regularly since dust and grime could accumulate to degenerate their effectiveness. Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment or clean the blades with a microfiber rag.
• Check for equilibrium: unbalanced fans wobble or create noise. Ensure the fan blades are balanced and correctly aligned. If you have need, you may get a kit to balance your ceiling fan.
• Lubrication: Some ceiling fans have a motor that calls for regular lubrication. Look up in your fan’s handbook for maintenance guidelines to maintain it working properly.
3. Keep Energy Efficient Windows
• Periodically search windows for drafts or gaps. When you spot a draft, you may have to reinstall weather debris to reduce your cooling costs around your home.
• Clean Window Frames: Clean glass and window frames on a schedule basis. To prevent wreck of the Low coating meant to enhance energy efficiency, create a soft cloth and a mild cleanser that will help you use less energy.
• Check Window Seals: Windows seals can deteriorate over time. Replace the seals yearly, or more often if you see deterioration, to keep energy efficiency high and reduce air conditioning costs.
4. Check And Preserve Reflective Roofing
• Damage inspection: Examine the roof frequently for signs of damage—leaks, missing shingles, or cracks in the reflective coating to avoid unexpected costs without proper maintenance. Even small damages might result in energy loss.
• Cleaning the Roof: Leaves, moss, or soil accumulated could lower the roof material’s reflective qualities. Annual or after strong storms, sweep your roof to maintain its performance.
• Reapply Reflective Coating: You might have to reapply the reflective covering every 5 to 10 years to keep its efficacy in ways to reduce heat in your home.
5. Keep your Walls and Attics Well Insulated
• Examine for damage or settling: On a regular basis, inspect your wall and attic insulation for signs of settling, compaction, or humidity damage, each of which could lower its efficiency and lead to higher air conditioning costs. Replace or insert the insulation, if required.
• Ventilate the Attic: Maintaining good attic insulation depends on good ventilation. Make sure the airflow in the attic is enough to stop excessive heat and that vents are not covered to maintain a cooling effect in your home.
• Check for Pests: Pests like bugs or mice might harm insulation, leading to increased energy consumption in your home. Keep your walls and attic under regular scrutiny for any indication of possible infestation.
6. Maintain the Outdoor Landscape
• Keep trees and vines trimmed: so that they don’t block windows or impede sunlight from entering your home, allowing cooler air to circulate and making your home cooler in the summer.
• Water Trees and Plants: Check that trees and plants near your house are thoroughly watered, since dry plants can lose their ability to give enough shade.
• Mulch Flower Beds: Adding a layer of mulch flower bed around plants can help retain moisture in the soil and reduce the amount of heat that reflects off the ground near your home, which can help cool in the summer.
7. Seal Cracks and Leaks
• Careful weather stripping: Weather stripping wears off over months. At least yearly, check the seals on doors and windows for integrity to avoid unnecessary costs without proper sealing. Replace all weather stripping that is frayed or broken to ensure cool air remains inside your home.
• Look for Air Leaks: Run an energy audit every year for air leaks surrounding windows, doors, vents, and electrical outputs to improve home energy efficiency and keep your home cool this summer. Reseal any with proper caulking or foam insulation if you locate any.
• Clean around vents: Be sure that vents and ducts are free of dust and particles. Poor airflow and therefore the general efficiency of your cooling system will suffer if the vent is dirty, making it harder to keep your home cool without excessive energy use during the summer long.
8. Simple Guidelines for General Maintenance
AC Unit Maintenance: To guarantee your air conditioning unit operates smoothly, have it professionally serviced at least once a year. These tasks consist of checking the refrigerant levels, changing the filter, and cleaning the condenser coils to ensure your central air system operates efficiently.
• If you have a forced air system (HVAC), change or wash the air filters every 13 months, especially in the summer when your system is running hard. Airflow and cooling performance are lowered by clogged filters, which can negatively affect your indoor air quality.
• Keep Outdoor Units Clean: Ensure your outdoor air conditioner unit is free of grass, dirt, and leaves. This help stops overheating and lets the machine run effectively, ultimately reducing your cooling bills.
• Careful weather stripping: Weather stripping wears off over months. At least yearly, check the seals on doors and windows for integrity. Replace all weather stripping that is frayed or broken.
• Look for Air Leaks: Run every year a home inspection for air leaks surrounding windows, doors, vents, and electrical outputs to help reduce your heating and cooling costs. Reseal any with proper caulking or foam insulation if you locate any.
• Clean around vents: Be sure that vents and ducts are free of dust and particles. Poor airflow and therefore the general efficiency of your cooling system will suffer if the vent is dirty, causing warm air to circulate instead of cool air.
Conclusion
Guys! To summarize the above discussion, it may be concluded that Including these seven home improvements into your summer schedule is a wise and environmentally friendly way to remain cool and keep energy expenses down. Each of these house cooling options like, energy efficient windows, a programmable thermostat, ceiling fans, reflective roofing really contribute differently to your comfort and cost savings.
Better insulation of your house and better outdoor landscaping will help you make a cooler setting without using much air conditioning. These improvements not only increase the long-term savings and worth of your house but also make it more cozy in the summer, contributing to lower energy use.
Proper maintenance of each gadgets is also very important as discussed above to achieve the goals.Don’t wait for the next heat wave; act now and have all year round a cooler, more energy efficient home with these easy ways to save energy.
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