Living in East Sacramento means enjoying beautiful tree-lined streets and historic charm, but it also means dealing with hot summers and rising utility bills. The good news is that homeowners can significantly reduce their energy costs with a few smart changes. Whether you want to lower your SMUD bill or simply make your home more comfortable year-round, these practical tips will help you save money while keeping your household running smoothly.
Smart Thermostat Settings That Actually Work
Your thermostat is one of the biggest factors affecting your monthly energy bill. Setting your thermostat to 78 degrees during summer while you’re home can save you 3 to 5 percent for every degree you raise it above 72 degrees. During winter months, keep it at 68 degrees or lower to maintain efficiency. Installing a programmable or smart thermostat helps automate these settings so you never have to worry about adjusting it manually. These devices can cut your annual energy costs by up to 20 percent.
Simple Ways to Keep Your Home Cool Without Breaking the Bank
Sacramento’s Mediterranean climate brings triple-digit summer temperatures, which means your air conditioner works overtime. Using ceiling fans alongside your AC allows you to raise the thermostat by 4 degrees while maintaining the same comfort level. Fans use about 90 percent less energy than central air conditioning. Close your curtains, blinds, and shades during the hottest parts of the day to keep solar heat out of your home. This simple action can drop indoor temperatures by up to 10 degrees.
Looking for more ways to make your East Sacramento home comfortable and efficient? Explore helpful resources and community insights in our local articles, covering everything from seasonal tips to neighborhood updates. And if you’re thinking about finding a home designed with energy efficiency in mind, I’m here to help you discover properties that truly feel right for your lifestyle. Let’s connect and find your perfect match.
Maintain Your HVAC System for Maximum Efficiency
Regular maintenance keeps your heating and cooling system running at peak performance. Clean or replace your air filters every 1 to 3 months, especially during heavy-use seasons. Dirty filters force your system to work harder and can increase energy consumption by up to 10 percent. Schedule a professional tune-up before summer arrives to ensure your AC unit is ready for the heat. Check your ductwork and insulation for air leaks, which waste conditioned air and drive up costs.
Upgrade Your Lighting and Appliances
Switching from traditional bulbs to LED lights is one of the easiest ways to reduce electricity usage. LEDs use up to 75 percent less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. When it’s time to replace major appliances, choose Energy Star-certified models that offer up to 40 percent higher efficiency. Adjust your appliance settings for better performance by washing clothes in cold water and avoiding unnecessarily low refrigerator temperatures.
Take Advantage of Natural Ventilation and Timing
Open your windows and doors during late evening hours to let cooler outdoor air circulate through your home. This natural ventilation clears out accumulated heat and reduces your reliance on air conditioning. Avoid using heat-producing appliances like ovens and dryers during peak afternoon hours when temperatures soar. Instead, run these appliances early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler, and energy demand is lower.
Improve Your Home’s Insulation and Sealing
Proper insulation keeps your home comfortable year-round by preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Adding insulation to your attic and walls can reduce energy usage by up to 20 percent. Use weather stripping to seal gaps around windows and doors where conditioned air escapes. Consider planting trees on the south and west sides of your property to provide natural shade, helping cool your home and reducing cooling costs over time.
Small changes add up to significant savings on your energy bills. Start with one or two tips today and gradually implement more strategies to maximize your results. Your wallet and the environment will thank you for taking action to reduce your home’s energy consumption.
Sources: pge.com, ladwp.com, climateaction.ca.gov, glendaleca.gov, sacobserver.com, airquality.org, expresssewer.com, smud.org, foxfamilyhvac.com, sunrun.com
Header Image Source: Markus Spiske
