Summer is a stressful time for home cooling systems, but there's plenty that you can do to enhance efficiency while reducing energy bills for your home in Albany or Corvallis. From installing affordable smart home technology to old-fashioned tips like sealing up drafts, there are so many steps you can take to stay cool while keeping your home as energy-efficient as possible. Our real estate agents have more details on energy efficiency tips that you can put to work in your home this summer.

• Have Your Cooling System Maintained Regularly
  A home cooling (HVAC) system that's not properly maintained can lead to all sorts of unpleasant problems, from inefficiency to total breakdowns. Fortunately, getting ahead of those issues is typically quite easy and simply requires you to schedule maintenance with your HVAC pro at the start of the summer. Didn't remember to make an appointment this summer? Better late than never, and scheduling now can help your system run better when fall arrives, too.

• Install a Smart Thermostat
  Remembering to set your thermostat to the right temperature at the right time is key to energy efficiency, but it can be hard to remember to change the dial every time you leave the home. With a smart thermostat, you can program your thermostat so that your home is always at the right temperature, letting things get warmer while you're out of the house but keeping your home cool and comfortable when you're present.

• Seal Cracks, Openings, Windows, and Doors
  Hot air making it in from outside is a huge drain on efficiency, causing your home to be less comfortable and your HVAC system to work harder in order to keep it cool. With caulk and weather stripping, you can seal most openings. Caulk is great for sealing around vents, sealing cracks, and taking care of tricky openings in windows/doors. For sealing the edges of windows and doors, weather stripping is an excellent low-cost option that's easy to install.

• Shop for Efficient Appliances and Lighting
  Whether you're shopping for a big item like a kitchen appliance or something small like a light bulb, opting for energy-efficient options can be a big boost for your budget. ENERGY STAR has tons of free resources available that can tell you more about efficient HVAC systems and appliances, as well as other tips to help you with energy efficiency at home.

• Try Window Coverings to Keep Out Heat
  Heat doesn't just get in through cracks and openings in the home. The heat from the sun can cause your home to get significantly warmer and increase cooling costs accordingly. Fortunately, this is one problem that's relatively easy to avoid. Installing curtains, blinds, or window treatments that provide full, light-blocking coverage will go a long way toward addressing this common source of heat.

• Use Fans and Outside Air for Cooling When Possible
  While we've covered ways to keep hot outside air from entering the home, there might be some days (and especially evenings) when the air outside is pleasant enough that you can open windows rather than using your home cooling system. Whether you're cooling your home with your HVAC system or with outside air, remember that fans are efficient for adding extra cooling. With the added cooling from a fan, you can often set your thermostat higher and enjoy savings over time.

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