10 Quick Tips to Save Energy this Summer
Summer is here and that means longer days, more BBQs, and more fun in the sun. When temperatures rise outside, you might be tempted to blast the AC but that can waste energy. So how can you keep cool and save energy this summer at the same time?
To understand how to keep cool while conserving energy this summer, we first must understand the difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency. Difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency is energy efficiency uses specific products designed to use less energy. They both have similar intentions but involve different methods on how to save energy.
1. Replace Light Bulbs to Save Energy
Replacing your light bulbs is an easy way to save energy this summer. Traditional incandescent lightbulb consumes an excessive amount of electricity and must be replaced often. In contrast, halogen incandescent bulbs, compact fluorescent lights, and LED lights use 25-80% less electricity and last 3 to 25 times longer than regular lights.
2. Upgrade Your Thermostat to Reduce Your Summer Energy Bill
Installing a programmable thermostat can conserve energy because the thermostat can be set to automatically turn off or reduce heating and cooling during times you are asleep or away from your house. On average, a programmable thermostat can save you about $180 per year. There are programmable thermostats that come in different models that can be set to fit your weekly schedule.
3. Install Energy-Efficient Windows to Conserve Energy
Installing energy efficient windows can help conserve energy this summer and it can be a fairly inexpensive upgrade. Windows are a significant source of energy waste, and they can add up to 10-25% of your total heating bill. To prevent heat loss, you can replace single-pane windows with double-pane products instead. “Low-e” coatings can significantly reduce your heating expenses. In addition, interior or exterior storm windows can reduce unnecessary heat loss by 10 to 20%. Depending on the region you live in, “ENERGY STAR” windows can save you $20-$95 each year on your utility bill.
4. Insulate Your Home to Keep Your Home Cool
Insulating your home is easy, safe, and affordable way to save energy this summer. Insulation plays a big part in lowering your utility bill though retaining heat during the winter and keeping heat out your home during the summer. “R-value” is the recommended insulation needed in your home depending on where you live. In warm climate areas the recommended “R-value” is much lower than the buildings located in colder regions. The five main areas insulation is places are: attic, walls, floors, basement, and all crawlspaces.
5. Use Natural Light to Reduce Your Energy Consumption
Using natural light is your home is an unchallenging way to conserve energy this summer. Lighting is one of the main reasons why energy cost can be so high. That’s why using light from the sun is a great way to reduce your energy consumption. It is better to have North and South facing windows instead of East and West, this allows for more glancing light that produces heat and limits harsh light in the winter.
6. Smart Power Strips Can Save Energy and Money
It is estimated that 75% of the energy used to power household’s electronics consumed when they are switched off, which can cost you up to $200 per year. Using smart power strips can decrease this percentage and help you conserve energy in the process. Smart power eliminates the problem of phantom loads by shutting of the power to electronics when they aren’t being used. Smart power strips can be set to turn off at a certain time.
7. Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water to Save Energy This Summer
Washing your clothes in cold water is a simple and inexpensive way to conserve energy this summer. Washing your clothes is very energy-intensive especially if you use warm water. Most of the energy used during washing clothes is warming up the water. Also, consumers can save more than $50 a year by reducing the temperature of the water by 15 degrees.
8. Replace Your Air Filters During the Summer
Replacing air filters around your house is another cost-effective way to conserve energy this summer. Replacing your air filters, including HVAC, help to avoid having to make costly repairs and at the same time saves you money.
9. Fix Air Leaks to Minimize Your Energy Bill in the Summer
Sealing air leaks around your home is a good way to reduce heating and cooling expenses. The common air leaks occur in vents, windows and doors. To prevent these leaks, ensure there are no cracks or openings between the wall and vent, window or door frame. This is considered Weatherizing your home and is any easy way to conserve energy this summer.
10. Get Hands-On to Save Energy This Summer
Adjusting your day-to-day behavior is an effortless way to conserve energy this summer. Instead of using energy-intensive appliances, you can perform household tasks manually — like drying your clothes outdoors.
How Will You Save Energy This Summer?
Each of these 10 quick tips will help you save energy this summer. Start by choosing just one of these tips and get started right away, before it gets too hot to take action! In addition to helping you reduce your energy bill, these tips will also help you stay cool during the summer months and can even help you save money.
Your EPB Energy ProsSM are here to help you understand the best ways you can save specific to your home. Learn more here.
