The housing market isn’t the only thing that’s white-hot lately.

In fact, if you step outside for a few seconds, you’ll be convinced you’re standing on the surface of the sun – and it’s not even summer yet!

Thankfully, most of us spend the majority of our days inside seeking refuge from the unmerciful heat in the comfort of shade and air conditioning.

Aside: Can we get an AMEN for Willis Carrier, the inventor of the first modern electrical air conditioning unit? 

But just because your house keeps you cool all summer long, there still may be things you can do to ensure it stays that way – and all while operating at maximum energy and environmental efficiency. In fact, national averages from the U.S. Department of Energy found that 44% of utility bills result from energy usage for heating and cooling the home, 33% for lighting, cooking and other appliances, 14% for water heating, and 9% for the refrigerator alone. 

Here, we list a few things you can do today to help you save money – and the planet – tomorrow. 

Seal Ducts

Ducts in the attic or vented crawl spaces of the home may need sealing – and insulating them is an easy and quick repair. 

Close Vents

Closing vents or radiators in unoccupied rooms can save you up to 20% on heating and cooling costs. 

Lower Thermostat

Drop the temperature by just three to five degrees while you’re not home to reduce your monthly utility bill and use less energy by 5% to 15% every year.

Install Low-Flow Showerheads

Installing low-flow showerheads improves your home’s water efficiency to a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute – vs. 5 gallons per minute with standard showerheads. 

Seal Windows

If windows are drafty, add weatherstripping around the frames and a bead of silicone caulk over any cracks in your drywall.

Turn Off Unnecessary Water

According to the EPA, the average homeowner can save about $170 a year by being conscious of running water while brushing your teeth, washing your hands, shaving, and bathing. 

Replace Incandescent Bulbs

Halogen bulbs, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs offer longer lasting light and are more energy-efficient than your old incandescent bulbs. 

Unplug Unused Chargers

Cell phone and battery chargers that are plugged in consume 0.26 watts of energy when not in use and 2.24 watts when connected to your phone. 

Use Hot Water Selectively

Avoid running your washing machine with hot water whenever possible as 90% of the energy used by your washer is used to heat the water.

Turn Off Unused Electronics

Consider switching off your computer monitor when not in use as the monitor uses more than half the system’s energy.

Turn Off Unused Lights

Seems obvious but remember to turn off lights any time you aren’t in the room or consider installing timers or motion sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are on.

While there are certainly big-ticket items that can help address your home’s energy efficiency, there are countless ‘small’ changes you can make for a big impact on your next bill – and our environment! Together, we can all make a difference.

Because at DeLeon Sheffield Company, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’