Keep cool the energy smart way

With energy prices soaring and higher demands on the power grid threatening brownouts in some markets, keeping your house cool without increasing your energy consumption is a problem that every homeowner wants answered. Take heart! There are ways to beat the heat without breaking the bank in the process.

An environmentally friendly approach to lowering the temperature in your home can be realized simply with the effective use of landscaping.If you're considering planting trees on your property, consider placing them on your properties southern exposure. This will maximize their potential to shade your home from the most direct rays of the sun. Large shrubs or climbing ivy along the outside walls of your house can also reduce the impact of the suns heat.
        

One of the easiest ways to reduce your home cooling expenses is by changing your household routine. When nighttime temperatures are comfortable, turn off the air conditioning and let the outside air cool the house. In the morning, you can close the windows to keep the cooler air inside and perhaps even postpone turning on the air conditioning for an hour or two. Are there rooms in your house that you don't use for days at a time, such as a guest room or a workshop? When the air conditioning is running, close the air vents in these areas and shut the door. Your system wont have to work nearly as hard if it doesn't have to cool rooms that you aren't even using. If you use window air conditioning units, set your air intake switch to open in the evening and anytime the air outside is cooler than your homes interior. When its hotter outside, then switch your air intake to closed, so you'll re-circulate the pre-cooled interior air and reduce your energy use. Using a bedroom fan at night can also eliminate the need to run air conditioning to cool the entire house.

Window blinds and lined drapes are one of the easiest and most cost effective ways to reduce solar heat entering your home.If you just have blinds in the bedroom, consider adding them in other rooms of your home. Their cost could easily be offset by your energy savings over the course of a few years.On warm days, keep your blinds at half-mast to reduce the amount of direct sunlight that enters your home.Your carpets, drapes and upholstered furniture will also benefit from being shielded from the suns harmful rays.

By following these easy tips, you can beat the heat and be energy wise too.

For more energy saving ideas, or for help with any of your home-related needs, contact  your local Coldwell Banker Terrequity real estate professional and get the benefit of their expert advice at info@terrequity.com.