Check out these top tips for saving energy (and money) during the hottest time of year.
The peak of the summer months always brings with them the hottest temperatures of the year – and higher utility bills to boot. As a result, our customers often ask us for advice on how they can save money and energy during this time of year.
While we can offer plenty of energy-saving tips when it comes to your air conditioning system, we wanted to go a step further. Thanks to Energy Saver, which is the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) consumer resource on saving energy and using renewable energy technologies at home, we have more to share. Check out these top tips for saving energy during the hottest time of the year.
Tips for Saving Energy (and Money) This Summer
- If the outside temperature cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while sleeping. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.
- Install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows.
- Consider installing window treatments and coveringsthat can improve energy efficiency.
- Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
- Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting to 78°F (26°C) only when you are at home and need cooling. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set back your temperature.
- Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
- If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.
- Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
- When you take a shower or bath, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).
- Schedule regular maintenance for your cooling equipment.
- Learn about operating and maintaining your air conditioner, evaporative cooler, or heat pump.
- Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
- Vacuum registers regularly to remove any dust buildup. Ensure that furniture and other objects are not blocking the airflow through your registers.
- On hot days, avoid using the oven; cook on the stove, use a microwave oven, or grill outside.
- Install efficient lighting that runs cooler. Only about 10% to 15% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light – the rest is turned into heat.
- Take advantage of daylight instead of artificial lighting, but avoid direct sunlight.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Consider air drying both dishes and clothing.
- Take short showers instead of baths.
- Minimize activities that generate a lot of heat, such as running a computer, burning open flames, running a dishwasher, and using hot devices such as curling irons or hair dryers. Even stereos and televisions will add some heat to your home.
- Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
- Add caulk or weather-stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.
- Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.
Is Your Air Conditioner Running Efficiently?
If you are worried that your air conditioning system is running too much, working inefficiently or wasting too much energy, give us a call. We would be happy to talk to about options to cool your home while saving energy. Contact Action Air at (317) 585-8981.
