While the warm summer months cause most homeowners to turn to their HVAC units to keep cool indoors, this can lead to a drastic increase in energy bills each month. You should not have to break the bank in order for your house to remain comfortable, especially as there are steps you can take in order to maximize your space's energy efficiency. Not only can you help the environment by improving your residence's carbon impact, you will also save money when it comes to cooling your home during the summer.

Here are a few tips for making your house more energy-efficient:

• Change your behavior: You will have to break yourself of some habits when it comes to how you use power in your home. Simple changes – such as unplugging unused electronics and raising the temperature on the thermostat a degree or two – can lead to massive savings over the course of the year.
• Insulation: One of the best ways to keep the air inside your house from leaking out is to make sure that all of your walls are properly insulated. If you are wary of do-it-yourself projects, it might be a good idea to call in the help of a trained professional.
• Replace the old HVAC unit: While air conditioners are certainly durable and built to last, that does not mean they will work indefinitely into the future. If your machine is more than 10-years-old, it is likely time for you to invest in a new one. Older machines will not have the improvements that have been made in the recent past, and will have to work harder in order to keep internal temperatures down.

Maryland residents who are looking to create an energy-efficient space in their own home this summer should schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections today!