Save Energy this Summer - Summerlin Real Estate Tips from Chris Patrick RealtySun City and Summerlin homes are energy-eaters in the summer. The temperatures are sky high and the air conditioning is running throughout the entirety of the day and night. Proactive home owners who take the initiative to conserve energy reap the benefits in the form of a reduced utility bill and the satisfaction that comes from living in a green home. Here’s how to do it.

  1. Cool Your Home in a Creative Manner

Putting the air conditioner on blast is not the sole means of cooling your home. You can conserve energy by using fans. Install ceiling fans throughout your home and you will be pleasantly surprised how well they cool entire rooms. It is much cheaper to operate these fans than run the air conditioning all day and night. Turn on the fans and you will be able to raise your thermostat by about four degrees without sacrificing comfort.

It will also help to move your bedding to the coolest part of your home each morning after waking. Hang your sheets in the comparably cool basement, open those basement windows and let the fresh breeze air out your sheets. Finally, be sure to close your curtains and blinds when the sun shines. Keep those doors and windows closed during the daytime hours so the hot sun rays and air can’t infiltrate your living space.

  1. Block out the Sun With Greenery

Plant trees, shrubs and vines around your home to block out the sun’s blazing hot rays. Opt for tall trees with ample foliage. Their presence will keep your home nice and cool in the shade. As a result, you won’t have to run your air conditioner as frequently.

  1. Switch to LED Lighting

Don’t select any old light bulbs from your local store! Opt for LED light bulbs or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) instead of the incandescent variety. LED light bulbs use 75 percent less energy than incandescent light bulbs. The LED variety also lasts about 50 times as long as conventional light bulbs. This energy conservation will add up to a considerable savings on your utility bill across the entirety of the year.

  1. Switch to Cold Water Washes

Wash your clothes with cold water or lukewarm water and you will save plenty of energy. About 90 percent of the energy your washing machine uses goes toward heating water. Wash with cold water and your clothes, towels and bedding will get just as clean. It will conserve energy and you won’t have to worry about separating lights from darks. Dry your clothes outdoors on clothes lines to avoid chewing up additional energy by operating the dryer.

By making your home energy efficient, you not only save money while you live there, but you can get a much larger return when it comes time to sell your Summerlin property. A lower overhead for energy bills in the summer is a big selling point, and it can help you sell your home for the right price. When it does come time to sell, contact our Southwest Las Vegas REALTORS® and we’ll guide through through every step of the process.

Sources
Seven Ways to Save Energy in the Summer
LED & CFL Bulbs Use 75 Percent Less Energy than Traditional Incandescents in Consumer Reports Tests
Use vegetation to increase energy efficiency