Energy Saving Tips

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Energy Saving Tips

Fulton Homes

Posted: 7/6/2022

Six Ways to Save Energy This Summer

As average summertime temps continue to rise, air conditioners aren't getting much of a break and these hot July days in Arizona can really take a toll on our pocketbooks. That's why we're looking at the top ways to decrease your energy usage and save money on your electric bill.

It's all about the windows
It's clear as proverbial glass that high-end windows and quality window coverings are a major factor in saving money on your summertime energy costs. In fact, Low-Emissivity (Low-E) windows can significantly help control heat transfer into your home — and that can add up to a lot of savings on your energy bill.

Also important for energy savings are quality window coverings like shades, shutters, blinds, curtains, drapes and awnings to not only reduce glare and provide privacy, but keep the summertime heat where it belongs … outside.

With Fulton Homes' Fulton Features program, all homes come standard with high-efficiency Low-E vinyl windows and window coverings on all major windows.

Be smart about your thermostat
When it comes to energy savings — especially in the Arizona summer — smart thermostats are a no-sweat way to save money on energy costs. If you're away from home most of the day, set it at a higher temperature while you're gone, then program it to begin cooling the house to a comfortable temperature about an hour or so before you're scheduled to return home. With Fulton, you can count on the reliability of a Honeywell Wi-Fi-enabled thermostat included standard with your new home purchase.

Become a fan of ceiling fans (it's the wind-chill effect!)
Most folks in Arizona love, love, love their ceiling fans as much for the wind-chill effect as for the resultant savings on energy bills. With an added boost of cool air coming your way, you can likely dial up the temperature on the thermostat a bit. Just remember that fans cool people – not rooms – and the best way to maximize your energy savings is to turn them off when a person or pet isn't present to enjoy their cool breeze.

Fulton home owners reap the benefits of having ceiling fans built into the price of their home and installed in all bedrooms, dens, lofts and family rooms.

Don't sweat it — schedule regular HVAC checkups
Trust us, you do NOT want your A/C to go out in July. Make sure to schedule regular A/C maintenance in the spring before it gets too hot. By not having to work as hard, an efficiently running HVAC unit will help you save money on your energy bill — and keep you from quite literally sweating it out while waiting for mid-summer service. You can often find a good deal on an A/C check during the off-season months when HVAC companies are traditionally less busy.

It's also really important to change your A/C filter on a regular basis, as a dirty filter forces your equipment to work harder, causing higher energy bills. Set a calendar reminder for yourself to replace disposable air filters (or clean permanent ones) every 30 days — especially if you have pets.

Chill out during the day
As part of an overall strategy to save energy and keep energy costs down, do your cooking and cleaning in the early morning, evening or at night. Heat and energy emitted from large household appliances can make it warmer in your home, and a healthy dose of physical activity in the hotter hours of the day can cause your body temperature to increase, as well. Give yourself and your A/C system a break and save these chores for the coolest parts of the day.

Additionally, make sure to take advantage of special time-of-use plans offered by utility companies. While energy companies might use different terminology, the result is the same: energy-consumers can save significant money by being smart about when they use the majority of their electricity.

Fulton home owners have the added advantage of owning ENERGY STAR certified homes that are at least 10 percent more energy-efficient than those built to code, and achieve a 20-percent improvement on energy usage on average.

Be cool about your pool
As Arizonans, we sure do love our pools — and for good reason. But did you know that pool pumps can be a huge drain on your energy budget? Many energy experts advise that there can be significant energy savings realized through the use of ENERGY STAR-certified variable-speed pool pumps.

Before you take the pool-plunge, check out the various types of pumps on the market. Using one that is ENERGY STAR-certified is likely to save you considerable money on your energy costs.

By implementing these simple tips, you should be able to improve your home's energy usage to keep you cool and comfortable for less money this summer.

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