April 30, 2013
It’s officially springtime, which means that the cold weather in the Lawton, Oklahoma area should be mostly behind us and summer will be here before you know it.
You can take advantage of our beautiful spring weather by preparing your home for summer energy efficiency now. Accomplishing these tasks before the heat arrives will save you the most money and give you the most return on your investments.
So here are our top tips for getting your home energy efficient for summer.
Windows
Your windows are one of the biggest sources of heat-gain in your home. The sun’s heat transfers through your windows and becomes trapped in your home. This means more money spent cooling your home.
Here are a few ways you can reduce this problem:
Install and use window coverings (blinds, drapes, etc.) during the day
Consider installing energy-efficient, double-pane windows and low-E coating (especially on the south and west sides of your home)
Repair or replace window screens to let in cool air during the evenings
Doors
Doors are also a major energy efficiency problem in many Lawton-area homes. Here are a few tips to make sure your exterior doors are not wasting energy this summer.
Replace worn weather stripping
Make sure there are no gaps around doors
Install a storm door to allow natural air conditioning on cool evenings
Replace older, inefficient doors with newer options (especially doors with glass panes)
Water heater
Your water heater uses the second-most energy in your home (other than your air conditioning and heating system) according to ENERGY STAR’s studies. But you can reduce your water heater’s energy consumption this summer.
Don’t ignore water heater maintenance
Upgrade to a tankless water heater
Consider upgrading your washing machine and dishwasher to models that use less hot water
Air conditioning system
Your air conditioner has been sitting idle for several months. To make sure it is ready to be used this summer and will be as energy efficient as possible, follow these tips.
Replace your air filter
Clear the area around your air conditioner to allow for adequate airflow
Install and use a programmable thermostat
Make sure the drain line is clear
If you are upgrading your air conditioner, consider a heat pump
Bonus Tips
Although we’ve covered many of the biggest ways you can prepare your home to be energy efficient this summer (and next), here are a few additional tips that can make a difference.
Get money back! PSO offers rebates for homeowners who do many of the things on this list (including upgrading your air conditioner, adding insulation, replacing windows and fixing air ducts.)
Replace your incandescent bulbs with LED’s. Not only will this reduce your lighting bills, it can actually reduce your air conditioning costs as well since old incandescent bulbs give off a lot of heat and LED’s do not.
Have your ducts inspected – leaky ducts are a major cause of high energy bills
As the weather continues to warm, make sure you are preparing your home for an energy-efficient summer. It will pay off big time in the long run.
