I was just reading a newspaper article the other day, realizing that Summer is just around the corner, and thought this information can help all of us who live in Arizona, as well as other sunshine states. Thanks goes to Sue Doerfler for sharing this information in her article in the Arizona Republic.
We all know that utility bills are continuing to increase year-in and year-out, and the price of gas has already started to inch it's way up, and everyone is feeling the effect of the recession. Hopefully these ideas can assist you in cutting some of your cooling expenses this summer, as I sit here on a day that may get up to 90 degrees.
First of all, you can plant shade trees on the east and west sides of your home. This will not only enhance the look of your landscaping, but will help cool your home. These shade trees will act as a buffer and shield the sun's heat from hitting directly on the exterior walls of your home. For those of you in Arizona, it is best to find desert trees that will require less water and leaves that won't shed.
Second, you should replace worn weather stripping around all windows and doors. As Sue wrote in her article, "According to Arizona Public Service, as much as 50 percent of the heat that enters you home in the summer comes in through the windows." Another bit of advice is to find window coverings, or tints, that will reflect the heat to reduce the amount of heat that enters through the glass.
Lastly, wrap you water heater in a blanket (a special blanket made for water heaters, see picture). This will typically cost about $20. With the blanket, it will hold in the heat, meaning less power will be required to heat your water.
Hopefully you find these helpful in lowering your cooling expenses this summer. I know there are some people whose monthly bill can approach $500 or more.
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