Alabama (WDNews) – Last month was the hottest July in U.S. history, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and it doesn’t seem to be cooling down anytime soon, with the heat index expected to hit triple digits over the next few days.
When summer temperatures climb, keeping a manufactured home cool can take extra energy. But a few simple upgrades and maintenance habits can help reduce heat gain, improve comfort and help keep energy costs in check. With our rates frozen through 2027, it’s still important to stay on top of your energy usage to help keep bills consistent month to month.
1. Seal Out the Heat
Cool air can escape through gaps around doors, windows, plumbing and ductwork, forcing your air conditioner to work harder. Use weatherstripping and caulk to seal leaks and help keep cool air where it belongs: inside. If your home has skirting or a flexible bottom board underneath, check for gaps, tears or loose areas that could let hot air and moisture in.
2. Check Your Ducts
Leaky ducts can waste cooled air before it ever reaches your living space. Inspect any accessible ductwork for loose connections or damage and seal problem areas with mastic or foil tape instead of traditional duct tape. If some rooms stay noticeably warmer than others, it may be worth having a professional inspect the crossover duct beneath your home.
3. Block Heat Before It Gets Inside
Windows can bring in a lot of unwanted heat during Alabama summers. Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day, especially on sun-facing windows. Light-colored curtains, reflective window film or exterior shades can help reduce heat gain while still allowing natural light into your home.
4. Lower Water Heater Temperature
Lowering your water heater temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees could save you up to $61 annually.
5. Do Laundry in Cold Water
Washing your clothes in cold water not only saves energy, but it will help your clothes last longer.
6. Give Your Cooling System a Tune-Up
A clean, well-maintained air conditioner runs more efficiently and can help keep your home comfortable. Replace or clean air filters regularly during cooling season and schedule a professional system checkup each year. If your unit is older or struggling to keep up, consider upgrading to a newer, high-efficiency system.
7. Cool Smarter, Not Harder
Each time you lower your thermostat by 1 degree you will use 1%-3% more energy.
A smart thermostat can help lower your energy bill by an average of $85 a year.
Ceiling fans can also help your home feel cooler by improving airflow – just remember fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
8. Use Tools That Help You Stay Ahead
Managing summer energy use can be easier when you have a clearer picture of how your home is using energy. We offer several tools designed to help customers understand usage patterns and make informed decisions throughout the season.
My Power Usage allows you to track your daily energy use and spot trends over time, making it easier to see how weather and household habits may affect your usage.
Home Energy Reports provide personalized insights and energy-saving recommendations based on your home’s energy patterns, along with ideas for ways to improve efficiency.
Energy Assistant is a tool that helps find support for qualifying customers who are temporarily struggling to pay their bills.
9. Small Changes Can Add Up
Switching to LED bulbs can help reduce heat output and energy use. Grilling outside or using smaller appliances instead of the oven can also keep extra heat out of your home during the hottest days of summer.
Small changes can make a meaningful difference. By keeping hot air out and helping your cooling system work more efficiently, you can stay more comfortable this summer while keeping more control over your energy use.
For more savings tips and helpful tools, visit AlabamaPower.com/summer.
