Much like preparing for spring is about defending against rain, summer preparation is about fighting the sun and rising energy costs. Utility bills and summer energy costs can put a real dent in your vacation plans. However, using these simple tips can lower your summer energy costs and protect your home from damage.

1) Start Outside with Energy Saving Designs– Adding a few well-placed trees can help bring more shade to your home. Shading near windows and doors will help lower cooling costs. Another option is adding overhangs to areas that get the most sunlight.

2) Use the Sun for Good- The sun isn’t always your enemy during summer. Work on ways to use sunlight instead of electricity to light areas of your home. You can have shading from outside that doesn’t block the sun but also protects your home from excessive heat.

3) Switch Your Ceiling Fan– Ceiling Fans have a distinctly Southern feel to them for a reason. Long before AC units, Southerners were using ceiling fans to help cool homes and porches. Every summer you need to switch you ceiling blade direction to counter-clockwise to help cool your rooms. The direction of the blades will push cool air back down and pull warm air up and away from you.

4) Check the Efficiency and Size of your AC Unit- If you’re looking to buy a new home or you’ve been in an older home for a while, make sure your check your AC unit. You need to be sure you have the right size unit for your needs. Using a unit that is too small will run up costs and wear down your AC. The air conditioner will always be working overtime. Using a unit that is too big will waste money and not work as efficiently. Have a professional inspect your AC before summer heat makes inspections unbearable.

5) Audit Your Home’s Energy Use- Began your summer preparations with a professional energy audit. Many power companies offer free or discounted audits. These inspections will help you find the best way to run your home and help you prioritize updates and projects.

6) Check for Mold and Moisture Issues- Summer is the best time to do a full inspection of your home for mold and moisture problems. Check erosion issues, especially along your foundation. Look for grading problems that can draw water towards your home. Also, inspect bathrooms, kitchens, attics, and basements where moisture can often collect and create mold.

7) Upgrade Your Energy Efficiency- Before summer comes, you should look at upgrading your home with more energy efficient products. You can change bulbs, install low flow faucets and showerhead, replace an old appliance, or add new programmable thermostats. Any improvements to your energy efficiency will make a difference in your utility bills. Plus, you can get rebates and tax breaks on certain energy-efficient improvements.

8) Lower the Heat Setting On Your Water Heater- Switching your water heater setting down to around 120 can save you money during hotter months. It might not be a big leap, but it’s an easy step in lowering your energy expenses. You’ll still have plenty of hot water for bathing and laundry without the high energy bills.

9) Replace Windows- Poorly installed or thin windows can have money leaking from your home. Install more energy efficient windows or use a low E film on your window can help you lower heat coming into your home and air slipping out of your home.

10) Renew, Replace, or Repair Insulation- Proper insulation is just as important in hot weather as it is in cold weather. Insulating will keep air from seeping out or heat from seeping in. Also, if you have to open walls or attics for new insulation the best time to do it is during the warm, dry days of summer.

Bonus Tip!- If you’re really wanting to save money, you can paint your roof white during summer months. Since dark colors absorb sunlight and heat, painting your roof white or a cooler color will reflect sunlight and keep your home as much as 50 degrees cooler.

Loving your home means taking care of it during every season. When you make smart choices and continue the upkeep and protection of your home you will have a home you’ll love for generations to come. The team at Enchanted Construction Services knows how to build homes that last and how to keep them in beautiful shape. For the best homebuilder in the Greenville, SC, Spartanburg, SC, and Anderson South Carolina area, call our office at 864-895-0601. We’re ready to design the home you’ve been dreaming about.