Alabama summers are no joke. With temperatures soaring, humidity rising, and AC units working overtime, energy bills climb fast. The good news? A few simple adjustments can help you save nearly 20-30% on cooling costs without sacrificing comfort or extra effort.

At CMG Real Estate Group — Capstone Realty, we care about more than just finding you the perfect home; we want to help you love living in it, too. That’s why we’ve rounded up our favorite energy-saving tips!

Quick Fixes

These solutions take five minutes or less, but the savings can add up fast:

  • Flip your ceiling fan direction: Set your ceiling fan to spin counterclockwise in the summer. This creates a wind-chill effect, letting you raise your thermostat by 2-3 degrees while still feeling cool.

  • Replace your air filter: A clogged filter makes your system work harder. Swapping it out monthly keeps your airflow clean and efficient.

  • Clear debris around your outdoor unit: Dirt, leaves, and grass can block airflow. Give the area around your HVAC unit a quick sweep to improve performance.

Weekend wins

Tackle these projects in an afternoon and enjoy long-term benefits:

  • Seal air leaks around windows: use caulk for cracks and gaps in the frame, and weatherstripping for movable window parts. You’ll keep cool air in and hot air out. Need a guide? Check out these helpful tutorials from the U.S. Department of Energy.

  • Install a small thermostat: These handy devices learn your schedule and adjust temperatures when you’re away, helping you save automatically.

  • Clean your air vents: Remove vent covers, vacuum just inside the ducts, and wipe down the covers. It’s a simple job that boosts airflow and reduces strain on your system, and it lays the groundwork for smoother maintenance later.

Call in the pros

  • Schedule professional HVAC maintenance: Annual checkups catch small issues before they become big and (expensive) ones.

  • Add insulation: Proper insulation keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

  • Upgrade windows or appliances: ENERGY STAR®-rated windows and appliances can drastically cut energy use. It’s an investment up front but one that pays off over time.

We’ve got connections

If you’re not sure where to start or want a trusted referral, our CMG agents are a great resource. We work with homeowners every day and have a network of reliable local professionals ready to help.

If you have questions on how our CMG family can serve you, please always feel free to reach out! At the CMG Real Estate Group, you are always more than just a transaction; you’re our family!