3 Ways to Save Energy This Summer

With the heat of summer in full swing and all of us looking to stay cool without breaking the bank, we thought it would be helpful to focus this week’s blog on ways to conserve electricity. Here are three ways to save energy this summer:

1. Use energy-saving window treatments. 

Treating your windows in one of several different ways listed below is a great way to help keep out the heat and save on your summer cooling expenses.  

• Reflective and Tinted Films: You can find home window film for sale online or at most home improvement stores—Home Depot, for example. Reflective film, which is installed on the inside of windows, can block up to 70% of the heat from the sun, and it won’t obstruct your view. Tinted film works much the same way and filters unwanted sunrays that can heat up your home. 
• Insulated Window Coverings: Cellular shades and thermal curtains provide an insulating barrier from the heat of the sun and are a relatively easy way to save—see some examples here on blinds.com. 
• Shutters, Shades and Awnings: Adding shutters on the outside of your windows can help with cooling costs too, as you’ll be able to shut them during the hottest parts of the day. Or consider installing solar shades or awnings outside of windows. Both will cut down on the amount of sunlight able to penetrate your windows and home. All are available online or at your local home improvement center. 

2. Let Mother Nature help cool your home. 

If you’re not renting, you may want to consider adding a little more greenery to your yard and home to help keep things cool and save on energy consumption—this can also boost the value and appeal of your property. Check out some of the options below. 

• Deciduous Trees: Although planting locations can vary, depending on where you live, most areas in the southeastern U.S. do well with trees like oak, maple and hickory planted on the south and west sides of a home. In the hotter months, the leaves of these trees will help block direct sunlight. And when it’s cold out, the bare trees will let the light in to help keep you warm. When planting, take care to keep trees far enough away to not cause any damage to your home as the trees grow—15 feet is a good rule of thumb. See more on proper planting distances with a blog from the Arbor Day Foundation.
• Shrubs and Ground Cover: Planting shrubs near the foundation of your home can help reduce the heat that’s radiated from the ground upward, as well as providing another barrier to the sun’s rays against the sides of your home. Because of their heat tolerance, azaleas, camellias and hydrangeas are all good choices. See more in this fun article from Southern Living. 
• Vines and Trellises: Virginia creeper, trumpet vine and Carolina jasmine are great choices in the Southeast when allowed to grow on trellises and pergolas on the sunny side of your home. Thick leafy trellises will help block the sun and create an added sense of privacy. And vine-covered pergolas will shade your home, patio or deck and provide a welcome outside retreat from the summer sun. You can build them yourself or purchase kits on Amazon or from stores like Lowe’s.