Our real estate agents can help you find the perfect home to meet your needs, but once you move in, some things can take time to adjust to. If it's bigger than your previous space, you may find the utility bills are higher—especially as you try to keep it cool against the summer heat. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep those costs down. Here are a few energy-saving tips for your new home this summer.

• Ceiling Fans
  Ceiling fans use much less energy than your HVAC system. What's more, the air blowing against your skin makes the room feel cooler than it actually is. So, if you run your fan and A/C simultaneously, you can turn your thermostat up a few degrees, saving energy without losing comfort.
  
  
• Air Filter
  Check the air filter. If it's white and translucent, then air is flowing freely. If it's gray and opaque, it's clogged and needs replacing. Clogged filters restrict airflow, forcing your system to work harder and run longer. This not only uses more energy, but it wears out the unit more quickly. Check the filter monthly and replace it every three to six months.
  
  
• Annual Maintenance
  The inspection report for Bowling Green homes for sale should provide at least an estimate of when your HVAC system was last serviced. If it hasn't had maintenance this year, schedule a tuneup. Your HVAC technician will examine the system, ensure it functions properly, check your settings, and replace any failing parts. This ensures that the system is running at peak efficiency to keep your energy bills low.
  
  
• Oven Use
  Don't turn on the oven if you can avoid it, as the heat will spread to the rest of the house. If you have a patio and a barbecue grill, try cooking outside when you can to keep all the cooking heat out of the house.
  
  
• Windows
  Open the windows early in the morning while it's cool. Then, just before things start to heat up, close them and draw the curtains or close the blinds to keep the cool air in and the warm air out. Also, consider investing in window treatments to keep the heat out while letting light in.
  
  
• Natural Light
  In summer, it stays light a lot longer. Remember that before automatically flipping on the light switch when entering a room. If there's a window letting in natural sunlight, you can keep the electric light to a minimum and save energy.
  
  
• Seal Leaks
  Leaks in your home can cause warm air to seep in and displace the cold HVAC air. A home energy audit can show you where those leaks are so you can have them repaired. Also, check your ductwork for leaks where cold air is escaping before it can reach your home, causing energy loss.
  
  
• Smart Thermostat
  Investing in a smart thermostat gives you greater control over how and when your home is cooled. By programming it with your family's work and school schedule, it can switch automatically to an energy-saving setting while you're out, so you don't pay to cool an empty house. It can then switch back 20 minutes before you get home, so your house is comfortable when you arrive. Some smart thermostats can even learn your schedule automatically over time, while others use GPS to sense when you leave or enter the house and adjust accordingly.

To find an energy-efficient home that you can be comfortable in through any season, contact us. We'll help you find your dream home in a neighborhood you'll love.