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I talk to homeowners regularly that are implementing changes not only to become more environmentally friendly but to become wallet friendly as well, and why not? I have a few ideas to consider over the summer months that may provide you with some additional financial rewards…

My theme for today is to look at how we manage our home’s temperature… There are many living areas in homes that are cooler than they need to be in summer.  It’s understandable that we want to be comfortable, but a couple of degrees here or there may not be as noticeable as you think.  Here are some easy ideas to manage the temperatures inside our homes in a smarter, more efficient way during the hazy days of summer!  (You may be doing some of these things already, but just in case… )

Firstly, try adjusting your thermostat to around 78 degrees F (approx. 25 degrees C) when you are in the house (during the day), and when you are away from your home for an extended time (on vacation, for instance), turn the air conditioning off completely.

Next, keep window coverings closed during the hottest time of the day to block sunlight and reduce solar heating (this is likely the one you may already be doing)!

For additional energy savings, turn off the air conditioning and open your windows overnight to take advantage of cooler evening air if possible (and safe) to keep your windows open, or at least in the early morning and evening.  Open windows strategically around your home to allow a decent air flow.

If you need air conditioning and don’t have a central air system installed, get window air conditioners that you can place in north-facing or shaded windows to eliminate them from having to work harder due to sun exposure.

Also, another good idea would be to control the amount of cooling going into rooms in your home that you aren’t using by partially or fully closing the air vents or forced-air registers.

Here’s one more useful tip: use kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans as minimally as possible; this way you will avoid sending too much cool air out of the house.

Now for some of you out there that have deciduous trees (trees that lose their leaves in wintertime) on your property, you will know already how the shade  noticeably impacts the interior temperature of your home.  So if you are lucky enough to have a few tall maples to provide you with shade, you may be able to get by without really even using your air conditioning except for those really hot, uncomfortable nights.  If you don’t but are thinking of planting some trees, curb appeal is not the only benefit you will reap!

Just some green food for thought and practical application…  Until next time,

Wishing you a cool day or night!

Annette Tremmel
Sales Representative with Signature Service GMAC Real Estate
www.annettesellsproperties.com

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