Tips// Energy Efficient Cooling

Phew, it's hot out there! Is the temperature inside your home rising just as quickly as outside? Here's some tips, big and small, to help you stay cool and save on your energy bills. (Or if you want to know exactly where you stand on your homes energy efficiency, consider having a professional home energy audit.)

• Seal your air leaks! Re caulking windows where there is gaping will make a bigger difference than you think. Plus, securing your home is draft free ensures all the work you do to keep the inside cool doesn't go right out the window, literally!

• Check your filters! At the start of summer and winter, check your filters to be sure they don't need to be replaced. After that be sure to check them regularly and change the filter as needed. In homes over 15 years old, consider replacing your heating and cooling unit with a newer, more efficient model.

• Naturally ventilate! Turn off your A/C at night and open up those windows! In the morning, close the windows and draw the blinds to capture the cool fresh air, for free!

• Use your ceiling fans! Keeping your overhead fans on during the day will allow you to drop your thermostat about 4 degrees.

• Avoid using high heat appliances! Keeping your oven off will make a huge difference on your homes temperature. Use your microwave and small appliances inside. Or head outside and throw your food on the grill! Nothing says summer like a BBQ. (Thinking your outdoor cooking area could use a little TLC? Check out some of our awesome outdoor kitchen ideas!)

Stay cool, stay hydrated and have a great summer!