When the Carolina heat kicks in, keeping your home comfortable without sending your energy bill skyrocketing becomes top priority. These eight smart strategies will help you keep your cool—and your costs down—all season long.
1. Set Your Thermostat Wisely
Keep your thermostat at 78°F while you’re home and raise the temperature a few degrees when you’re away. Even better? Install a programmable or smart thermostat that adjusts automatically to your schedule. It’s a small upgrade that can lead to big energy savings over time.
2. Keep the Sun Out
Direct sunlight is one of the biggest contributors to indoor heat. Close blinds or curtains—especially on south- and west-facing windows—during the hottest hours of the day. Consider solar screens or reflective window films to further reduce heat gain while still letting in natural light.
3. Seal Air Leaks
Cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and ducts can let hot air in and cool air out. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal leaks and ensure your attic and crawl space insulation is up to code. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to improve your home’s energy performance.
4. Limit Heat-Generating Activities
Try to avoid using your oven, stovetop, or dryer during peak heat hours. Switch to LED lighting—they use less energy and emit less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. Every little change adds up when you’re trying to keep your home cool.
5. Maintain Your AC Unit
Your air conditioning system works hard in the summer—help it run efficiently by replacing or cleaning filters monthly. Clear debris from around outdoor condenser units, and schedule an annual professional tune-up.
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6. Use Fans to Circulate Air
Set your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air downward. Portable fans are also great for moving cooled air into less ventilated areas or upstairs bedrooms that tend to trap heat.
7. Keep Interior Doors Open
Keeping doors open allows air to flow more freely between rooms, helping to prevent hot or cold spots and improving overall comfort.
8. Consider Strategic Upgrades
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Smart thermostats learn your habits and help reduce waste.
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Shade your outdoor AC unit with landscaping or a cover (while maintaining airflow). A shaded unit can be up to 10% more efficient.
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Upgrade to a high-efficiency system (SEER 16+), especially if your unit is over 10-15 years old.
At BOLD, we build homes that stand up to every season—and help you take care of them long after the keys are in hand. Whether you’re planning your dream home or looking to renovate, we can help you integrate energy-smart strategies from day one.