As the mercury level rises, so does the cost of cooling our home. While our first reaction to the sweltering summer sun might be to crank up the AC, there are other ways to keep cool without breaking the bank. In this blog entry, we will offer up a few tricks that will lower your energy bill and reduce your carbon footprint! 
#1 Fans: Ceiling fans or box fans are an extremely easy and cost-efficient way to cut down on your energy costs. Some ceiling fans can be purchased for as little as $70 bucks and can be installed without the assistance of a contractor. If the fan is well designed, it can lower your rooms’ temperature by 7 degrees, thus causing your air conditioner to run less.
#2 Light External Colors: It is no secret that light colors attract less heat, so why would you want to choose dark shingles or siding? If possible, choose a light color shingle or if you have a flat roof paint the surface white to reflect the sun’s rays.
#3 Install Shades: If you have an area of the home where the sun tends to shine more prominently, install shades or blinds on the windows. The less direct sunlight you have, the cooler your room will be!
#4 Energy Efficient AC: If you live in an older home, chances are your outdoor condenser is bulky and costing you a bundle in energy costs. When picking out a new unit, it is important you choose a condenser that has a seasonal energy efficiency ratio rating of about 12.
#5 Plant Trees: For long term cost savings, consider planting shade trees around your home. We understand that this is not a quick solution to your problem; however, in the long run it will serve not only as a great shield from the sun, but will make your home more desirable if you ever decide to move. For quick results, try planting soft wood trees such as a pin oak or a tulip tree.
If you would like to know more about how you can lower your cooling costs, please don’t hesitate to give RIGGS a call today. We have a certified green professional on staff ready to help you get the most out of your home!
