Summer in your Plumas Ranch neighborhood means evenings with wine and string lights. It means popsicles and sticky fingers and fireworks in the night sky. It also means that your home is adjusting to higher temperatures! In order to ensure you’re using energy efficiently and avoiding potential pitfalls, take a few extra steps this spring to make sure your home is ready for the heat of summer! We’re talking about a few practical steps you can take to do just that.

Use landscaping strategically

Nature has its own way of cooling things down – so make sure that you choose landscaping that takes advantage of native plants! Choose options that don’t need to be watered excessively, both to save energy and to avoid the impact of possible water restrictions during the hotter months.

Increase shade

Awnings and other exterior window shades go a long way to reduce the heat from the sun that filters into your home. Choose interior window coverings that also keep your rooms from becoming overheated, while still allowing light to stream inside.

Check your home’s insulation

You may need an expert’s opinion, here! Make sure the insulation in your walls is up to date. Inefficiently insulated homes lose energy and will be harder to cool in the summer months! Take steps now to make sure everything’s in good shape.

Use fans

Use fans instead of AC at every opportunity – the ceiling fans are especially effective at providing a cool breeze even when the thermostat is set a bit higher. If you have ceiling fans in the bedroom, make sure to turn ‘em on!

Close doors

Keep exterior doors closed to help keep the temperature inside your home as stable as possible. The more hot air comes in, the longer and harder it will be to cool it, and your energy bills will increase.

Get your AC inspected

Old or inefficient air conditioning units can chug along, but they’re not doing a great job of cooling your home, and they may be using up valuable energy. Make sure to get your unit inspected! Sometimes, just a recharge or a cleaning may be all that’s necessary.

Adjust your thermostat

It’s summer, after all, so adjust your expectations along with your thermostat! Even a slightly higher setting can help you save energy, allow your AC to work more efficiently, and let your body adjust to the normal seasonal temperatures.

Unplug devices

When you’re not using it, unplug it! Even when devices are not in use, they can continue to suck energy and put strain on your home and the power grid. Unplug it til you need it again.

Do laundry in cold water

Turning down your water heater temperature or doing laundry in cold water is another way to reduce the strain of heating on your already hot house, and it should save you money in energy bills.

Open windows at night

When the temperature drops, open those windows! Even allowing  a few hours of natural cooling can keep your home’s systems from becoming over-taxed in the heat of the summer months.

Enjoy the weather!

Get outside and soak up that sunshine, and your home and your body will thank you!