Residents in the heart of Texas know with our Texas heat soon to be upon us if we aren’t consumer smart our utility bills will eat a hole in our monthly budgets! Stephanie Deluna in our office created a list of some simple and affordable ways to save energy and money this summer:
Windows
Having the right window treatments installed on your home can reduce heat gain; therefore, reducing the amount of energy you will use to cool your home. Many window treatments are also more affordable than purchasing new windows. The U.S. Department of Energy has a long list of energy saving window treatments and coverings that will save you money 365 days a year. For more information, visit:http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/energy-efficient-window-treatments.
Thermostat
When away from home, be sure to set your thermostat warmer than normal. The Department of Energy suggests setting thermostats at 78°F (26°C) when home. If that’s not cool enough for comfort, turn on a ceiling fan. With the help of air conditioning, a ceiling fan allows you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.
Maintaining your cooling system
It is important to schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioner to keep it running as efficiently as possible. The easiest way to maintain your cooling system is by changing air filters routinely. Dirty air filters block normal air flow. The Department of Energy says that keeping the filter clean can lower your air conditioners energy consumption by 5% to 15%.
Appliances and lighting
One thing everyone remembers is parents and teachers telling them to turn off lights and appliances when not in use to save electricity. During the summer, it is especially 
important to not waste energy. In the kitchen, avoid cooking with an oven if possible. Remember, every time you open your oven door, heat escapes. Take cooking outside- everyone loves a backyard BBQ in the summer time.
Turn to natural light to brighten your home, and replace your light bulbs with energy-saving incandescent, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light emitting diode (LEDs). To compare your lighting options, visit: http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/lighting-choices-save-you-money
Sealing your home
Sealing openings will keep your home comfortable year-round. Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home and cold air from coming into your home during the winter months. Add caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows. For a complete DIY guide to sealing your home, visit: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=diy.diy_index.
This community service announcement is brought to you by Dorie Dillard, your NWAustin real estate professional with Coldwell Banker United Realtors.
If you are reading this post and have a home to sell in NW Austin I would be happy to help you. The Austin real estate market is experiencing a paradigm shift and it is considered an excellent time to sell your home. Let me put my expertise to work for you. Call me at 512-346-1799.
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