In California, you can tell it is summer when you are still sweaty even after the sun

sets. Yes, that’s how hot it can get here. Therefore, it’s pretty easy to guess the

primary appliance being used in almost every home at this time: the air conditioning

unit. This device can single-handedly inflate your energy bills. The need to constantly

keep cool during these hot months is one of the many reasons why California has

one of the highest energy costs in the country.

With the current inflation in the U.S. economy, every homeowner is striving to reduce

their energy usage as much as possible. Conducting a professional home inspection

is an excellent way to identify areas of the home that can be improved which may

save money. This is because a professional can tell you how the inspected area may

have areas of concern. A Home Inspector will provide you tips and guidance to

improve your home.

They will also be able to pinpoint minor issues that may increase your energy

consumption without your knowledge. But, there are several other cost-effective

things you can do to save energy this summer. Here are five ways to help you save

energy and lower your utility bills.

Make Use of Ceiling Fans

During hot summer months, spin your ceiling fans counterclockwise. This will help to

push air down, creating a cool breeze. It will also maintain the room’s temperature

throughout the day, so you won’t have to constantly keep your HVAC system running.

Using fans when it’s not too hot can help you cut your electricity bills, saving you

money. Remember to turn off your ceiling fans once you leave a room to lower energy

consumption. If you don’t own a ceiling fan, portable ones are just as effective. They

are also inexpensive, and you can purchase them at your local supermarket or any

home goods store near you.

Wash Clothes Using Cold Water

If you wash most of your clothes in cold water, it might surprise you to know that

you’re among the minority. Most households in California tend to use warm water to

wash their clothes. This may not be a great idea for anyone looking to save energy at

home. Warm water has to be heated, which requires energy. Almost all the energy needed

to do your laundry goes into warming the water. Using cold water can significantly

lower the energy required to run your washing machine, reducing your energy bills.

Change Your Filters

Replacing your air filters is one of the simplest things you can do to save energy and

ensure that your A/C unit operates smoothly and efficiently. Dirty or clogged filters

prevent proper airflow making your system work much harder than it should to

maintain your home’s temperatures. This increases energy consumption as well as

monthly energy bills. Additionally, dirty filters circulate dust particles and other allergens throughout your home, affecting indoor air quality. Changing your air filters at least every 2 to 3 months is advisable, so the start of summer can be the perfect time to do this. New

and clean filters can help reduce your energy consumption by up to 15%.

Unplug Appliances

From your mobile phone to your computer, all electronics use energy. To effectively

save energy, ensure you unplug all devices when they are not actively being used.

Try plugging appliances you regularly use into one power strip so it can be easy to

turn them all off at once. You can also program your computers to sleep mode after 5

to 10 minutes of inactivity. This helps them to use less power than when they are

active. Moreover, don’t forget to switch off the lights whenever you leave a room.

Seal the Gaps

To effectively prevent warm air from seeping into your home, seal all openings with

weatherstripping or caulk. You could request a professional home inspection to know

where all the gaps or cracks are, but this will cost extra money. If you want a DIY

approach, you can try to dampen your arm and slowly wave it across common

leaking areas such as windows, vents, doors, or wiring holes.

If you feel cool air passing, then you have discovered a leak. Weatherstripping is

pretty inexpensive, easy to install, and can be found at your local hardware store.

This simple project can help you lower energy usage and significantly reduce utility

bills. California energy savings means adopting new ways or technology to help you meet

your needs while saving energy. The above tips will help you lower your energy

usage and save money. But, you may need to hire a professional home inspector to

make dramatic changes to your energy bills.