Think Green

When it comes to your home, to “think green” is more than just a catchy phrase. Making your home energy efficient is not only critical for the environment, but also imperative for reducing energy bills. With those Texas summer months rapidly approaching, it is essential that you make sure your home is energy efficient to help it stay cool and save money in the long run. Wondering how you can do this? We’ve got you covered with our “Think Green” energy efficiency checklist.

1. Seal any air leaks: Check your doors and windows for any leaks and seal them with weather-stripping or caulking. This helps to keep the cool air inside and the hot air outside.
2. Use energy-efficient window treatments: Install window treatments that can block out the sun’s heat and keep the room cool. Examples of energy-efficient window treatments are blinds, shades, or curtains with thermal linings. For the best fit, we recommend custom window treatments to ensure they’re made to the exact measurements of your current windows.
3. Upgrade your lighting: Replace your traditional bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. LED bulbs consume less energy and have a longer lifespan, which saves you money in the long run.
4. Maintain your HVAC system: Before the summer months, get your HVAC system serviced by a professional. A well-maintained system runs efficiently and consumes less energy.
5. Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat can help you save energy by setting the temperature to a comfortable level when you’re at home and adjusting it when you’re away. The New York Times recently posted a great, quick read on the top programmable thermostats of 2023. 
6. Insulate your attic: Insulating your attic prevents heat from escaping through the roof and keeps your home cool in summer. After all, hot air rises. This is especially important if you live in an area with high temperatures.
7. Install ceiling fans: Ceiling fans circulate the air and create a cooling effect. This reduces the load on your air conditioner and saves energy.
8. Use energy-efficient appliances: Replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones. Look for appliances with an Energy Star rating as they consume less energy and are environmentally friendly. Trends evolve throughout time, but if you need an easy place to start getting ideas for new appliances, check out our post on Appliance Trends that we previously posted.
9. Plant trees: You all know how we feel about plants inside a home, but you can also make a difference with plants on the exterior of your home. Plant trees around your home as they provide natural shade and keep your home cool.
10. Use natural ventilation: Open your windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home. This is especially useful in the evenings when the outside temperature drops.

Is your home energy efficient and ready for the summer months? Let us know!