Beat the Heat and High Bills With This Guide With Summer Energy Saving Tips in San Antonio
As the San Antonio summer heats up, so too can your home’s energy bills. While rising temperatures naturally put more strain on your cooling systems, you’re not powerless against soaring costs. This guide is packed with practical, effective strategies designed to help you maintain comfort in your home while significantly cutting down on your energy expenses. By focusing on energy efficiency, you’re not only saving money but also contributing to a reduced carbon footprint – a true win-win for your wallet and the environment.
During the warmer months, air conditioners and other cooling appliances become the biggest energy consumers in your home. Factors like direct sunlight, inadequate insulation, and inefficient appliances all contribute to making your home harder and more expensive to keep cool. Understanding where your energy is primarily used is the first step towards identifying and tackling the biggest sources of waste.
Implementing a few smart changes can make a dramatic difference. Start by optimizing your thermostat settings: aim for 78°F (or higher) when you’re home for an ideal balance of comfort and savings, and consider raising the temperature just a few degrees when you’re away to avoid cooling an empty house. Supplement your AC use with ceiling fans; they effectively circulate cool air, allowing you to set your thermostat higher while still feeling comfortable. Just remember to turn fans off when you leave a room, as they cool people, not spaces. Blocking out the sun is another simple yet powerful strategy: close curtains, blinds, or shades during the hottest parts of the day to reduce direct sunlight, which significantly lowers indoor temperatures and eases the load on your air conditioning.
Beyond daily habits, consider your home’s long-term efficiency. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR®-labeled appliances, especially refrigerators, dehumidifiers, and air conditioners, can lead to substantial long-term savings. Crucially, seal any leaks around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk, and ensure your home has proper insulation. Good insulation acts as a barrier, keeping cool air inside and hot air outside, translating to continuous energy savings. Don’t forget routine AC maintenance: regularly change your filters (monthly is ideal), schedule annual professional tune-ups, and keep outdoor units clear of debris to ensure your system runs at peak efficiency.
Plant a deciduous tree or two on the south and/or west sides of the house. The summer shade will help keep the house cool while with no leaves on the tree in the winter, the sun will help warm the house. Also consider having spray applied radiant barrier sprayed on the attic side of your roof decking. And make sure you have adequate upper and lower ventilation in the attic. The radiant barrier and ventilation does not apply if you have spray foam insulation in your attic.
For even greater savings, get strategic with your cooking by using the microwave or grilling outdoors to avoid heating up your kitchen, which forces your AC to work harder. If possible, cook during cooler parts of the day. Installing a programmable or smart thermostat allows you to automatically adjust temperatures when you’re asleep or away, maximizing efficiency without conscious effort. Inspect your ductwork for any leaks or gaps; sealing these ensures all that valuable cool air reaches where it’s needed most. Finally, think about your landscaping: planting trees or installing awnings to shade windows and exterior walls can significantly reduce your cooling costs by blocking direct sun exposure.
Lowering your summer energy bills doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes or expensive overhauls. By adopting these practical, smart strategies – from adjusting your thermostat to improving your home’s insulation and maintenance – you can create a more efficient, comfortable home this season. Start implementing these tips today to enjoy a cooler home and a fatter wallet!
Author Larry Wedige, owner of LarryInspects Home Inspection Servce, holds a license from the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Real Estate Inspector (license #6060), which he has maintained since 2002. He maintains memberships with the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), the Texas Professional Real Estate Inspector Association (TPREIA), and the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), where he serves as a Certified Deck Inspector. He formerly served as an Adjunct Instructor at San Antonio College, where he taught courses in home inspection. Larry is also Infrared Certified and incorporates infrared thermography into all inspections. A native of San Antonio, Larry possesses over five decades of expertise in remodeling, repair, and home construction. His extensive experience is augmented by the completion of the home inspector curriculum at San Antonio College, licensure by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), and the fulfillment of numerous hours of continuing education in home inspection. He consistently surpasses the continuing education requirements set by the Real Estate Commission. Larry adheres to the TREC Standards of Practice and the NACHI Code of Conduct, which forbids participation in any conflict of interest activities that could affect his impartiality.
