Energy Efficiency Tips for Summer

Summer in Park City is a magical time. From the towering peaks to the lush valleys, this region offers unparalleled beauty and countless opportunities for outdoor adventures. However, as temperatures rise, so does the demand for energy to keep homes cool and comfortable. Start with these energy efficiency tips for summer.

Tip 1: Embrace Natural Ventilation

When the sun beats down on your home, it’s tempting to crank up the air conditioning to stay cool. However, relying solely on AC can lead to hefty energy bills and increased carbon emissions. Instead, take advantage of natural ventilation to keep your home comfortable without relying on artificial cooling.

One of the most effective ways to cool your home naturally is to promote cross-ventilation. This involves strategically opening windows and doors to allow fresh air to flow through your living space. In the Mountain West, where temperatures can drop significantly at night, this approach can be especially effective. Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a refreshing breeze that sweeps through each room, flushing out hot air and replacing it with cooler outdoor air.

Ceiling fans are another excellent tool for enhancing natural ventilation and reducing reliance on air conditioning. By circulating air throughout your home, ceiling fans create a gentle breeze that helps to evaporate sweat from your skin, making you feel cooler even at higher temperatures. Plus, modern energy-efficient ceiling fans consume significantly less electricity than traditional models, helping you save money on your utility bills while staying comfortable all summer long.

Tip 2. Optimize Your Cooling System

While natural ventilation can go a long way in keeping your home comfortable, there may still be times when you need to rely on air conditioning. To ensure that your cooling system operates as efficiently as possible, don’t forget the following steps.

Make sure to invest in a programmable thermostat. (Shoreline homes have these included!) These allow you to set your home’s temperature according to your schedule, reducing energy waste when you’re away or asleep. In a place like Park City, where temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day, a programmable thermostat can help you maximize comfort while minimizing energy use. Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re out hiking or exploring, then program it to lower the temperature shortly before you return home, so you walk into a cool, comfortable space without wasting energy cooling an empty house.

Understand the way your home is constructed for energy consumption. Most of us aren’t thinking about things like sealed duct work, 2×6 exterior walls, and how insulation, but these things make a difference. Shoreline homes have a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score of 49. A lower HERS score saves not only energy, but can save homeowners up to $700–$1200 annually.

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your air conditioning system running smoothly and efficiently. Before the summer heat sets in, schedule a professional tune-up to clean filters, check for leaks, and ensure that all components are in good working order. A well-maintained AC unit will operate more efficiently, reducing energy consumption and extending its lifespan.

Tip 3. Embrace Renewable Energy Sources

In the Mountain West, where abundant sunshine is one of the landscape’s defining features, harnessing solar power is a no-brainer. By investing in solar panels for your home, you can generate clean, renewable energy while significantly reducing your reliance on the grid.

Solar panels are becoming increasingly affordable and accessible, making them an attractive option for homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on energy bills. By installing solar panels on your roof or property, you can generate clean electricity to power your home’s cooling system, appliances, and electronics. In addition to reducing your environmental impact, solar panels can also increase the value of your home and provide long-term savings on electricity costs.

In addition to generating electricity, solar energy can also be used to heat water for your home. Solar water heating systems use sunlight to heat water directly, reducing the need for traditional water heaters that rely on fossil fuels or electricity. In northern Utah, where water heating can account for a significant portion of household energy consumption, solar water heating can offer substantial savings and environmental benefits.

Built to Save You More

When it comes to energy efficiency, one of the biggest things you can do to is live in a home that’s designed with that purpose in mind. At Shoreline Park City, every home is state of the art for prime energy efficiency: Shoreline homes proudly have a 49 HERS score, compared to the average 100 HERS score for new home construction. Because reducing your energy bill AND your environmental impact is truly a win-win.

For a virtual tour of our energy-efficient homes, visit shorelineparkcity.com.