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10 | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | August 2016 | Question: How can I prepare my home for hot temperatures? Here you'll find strategies to help you save energy during the summer when the weather is warm and you are trying to keep your home cool. If you haven't already, conduct an energy audit to find out where you can save the most. USE YOUR WINDOWS TO GAIN COOL AIR AND KEEP OUT HEAT: If you live in a climate where it cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while sleeping (only if it is safe to do so). When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air. Install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows. OPERATE YOUR THERMOSTAT EFFICIENTLY: Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting to 78 degrees F (26 Celsius) only when you are at home and need cooling. FAN AND VENTILATION STRATEGIES TO COOL YOUR HOME: If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees F with no reduction in comfort. Turn off ceiling fans when your leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect. When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic) KEEP YOUR COOLING SYSTEM RUNNING EFFICIENTLY: Schedule regular maintenance for your cooling equipment. Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary. Vacuum registers regularly to remove any dust buildup. Ensure that furniture and other objects are not blocking the airflow through your registers. KEEP HOT AIR FROM LEAKING INTO YOUR HOME: Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home. Add caulk or weather-stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows. LOWER YOUR WATER HEATING COSTS: Water heating accounts for about 18 percent of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120 degrees F). You'll not only save energy, you'll avoid scalding your hands. Ask a Question