10 Home Energy Saving Tips for the Summer in Loveland, CO

With all the excitement that comes with settling into a newly built home in Loveland, it can be easy to forget the simple ways to keep your home cool while still conserving energy and money. You can always contact The Lakes home builders in Loveland, CO for a consultation on energy efficiency in new homes, and we’ve complied a list of ten summer energy saving tips to get you started.

Take control of your kitchen: Surprisingly enough, nothing is more energy efficient for cooking than your microwave. It uses two-thirds less energy than a stove and doesn’t heat up the house like an oven does. On warmer days you can use the outdoor grill as well. Another kitchen tip is to strategically use your dishwasher for washing dishes, then allow dishes to air-dry. Dishwashers surprisingly use less water and energy than washing dishes by hand, and turning off the dry cycle to let the dishes air dry conserves even more!

Turn up the thermostat: One of the simplest ways to conserve energy in the summer is to turn up the thermostat during the day when no one is home. Adjust the pre-settings so that your home is 78 degrees when you are there and 85 when you are away, and use ceiling or room fans to circulate air movement and cool the room.

Use appliances wisely: During the summer there are many ways to cut back on the use of appliances. Do your laundry efficiently by using warm or cold-water settings to wash clothes. Line dry clothes whenever you can, and when you need to use the dryer make sure to run full loads. You can also use the moisture sensing setting and clean the dryer lint trap after every load to make sure you’re getting full use.

Eliminate wasted energy: As basic as it sounds, one of the best ways to save energy is by turning off lights when you are not in the room or turning off appliances and equipment when you aren’t using them. Unplug electronic devices and chargers when possible and make sure they are switched off to avoid draining the battery. Make sure all computers and printers are turned off at the power strip, and get rid of that extra mini fridge if you don’t use it!

Replace filters: Make a quick trip to the hardware store and pick up a few replacement filters. It’s a great, inexpensive investment and will allow your airflow system to run longer and more efficiently. It is recommended to replace filters monthly to get the best use.

Plug leaks: Warm air may be sneaking into your home through gaps in doorways and windows. A simple solution is to pick up weather-strips, seals, or caulk to fill in the gaps. This will keep your home cooler as well and make sure no pesky bugs or insects are finding their way inside.

Install a fan: A whole house fan is a permanent installation in a home’s attic, designed to draw cool air into the home through windows while forcing hot air out through attic vents. Whole house fans are certainly a more permanent and substantial investment compared to standing or ceiling fans, however using one after sundown when the outside temperature drops can be extremely effective in reducing air conditioning costs.

Utilize natural light: When you are home, take advantage of Northern Colorado’s long summer days and leave the lights off. Open the shades, utilize big windows and watch your electricity bills decrease! On breezier days, you can even open the windows to get the air naturally circulating.

Install window shading: Inversely, you can also cut down on energy by keeping the windows shaded when you aren’t home. Keeping out the sun while you are gone will lower the amount of work your air conditioner has to do later on. Additionally, you can install a patio cover, awnings and solar window screens to shade your home from the sun.

Innovative home design: For those interested in building energy efficiency into their home from the ground up, buying a newly built home, in comparison to an older home, can be a great option. Innovative designs and modern construction incorporate leading advancements in home energy efficiency, and even allow for custom designs to suit your family’s needs and lifestyle.

Contact The Lakes at Centerra to learn more about the four award-winning builders behind our beautiful new homes in Loveland, and the expertise they bring to designing the range of home styles available throughout the community.

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