7 Tips to Save Energy (and Money) This Summer

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Summer can be a fun time, but it’s also a high season for energy costs and air conditioning use. The good news is that there are plenty of ways you can still have fun and avoid the heat without breaking your wallet or hurting the environment.

Here are seven tips to save Energy (and money) this summer.

Save Energy

Use a Programmable Thermostat

A programmable or smart thermostat can help you save money and Energy. With a programmable thermostat, you can set your system to turn on when you need it most. 

For example, if you work days, set the system to turn on in the morning so your home will be comfortable by the time you get home from work. 

If you’re out of town often, set the thermostat at a higher temperature than what you would typically use so your home can maintain that temperature while no one is there. 

Smart thermostats are even more helpful because they allow for remote control over your heating and cooling systems.

Adjust your thermostat to save money 

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Keeping your thermostat at 78F when you’re home and 88F when you’re gone, or asleep can help save you 10% on cooling costs. Stay calm and comfortable in hotter weather by using the following suggestions.

Consider Alternative Cooling Methods

The easiest way to save energy this summer is by changing your cooling methods. 

  • For example, if you have a pool, that’s a great way to keep yourself cool without using electricity. 
  • Alternatively, invest in ceiling fans or a whole house fan to stay cool without turning on the air conditioner. 
  • You can also install awnings over windows and doors to offer shade and block the sun’s heat. 
  • And if you’re looking for other ways to stay calm, try planting trees outside your home and opening windows at night when it’s cooler.

Read more : Home Renewable Energy: 5 things to How You Can Use It in Your Home

Inspect and Maintain Your AC Unit

Inspect your AC Unit for any cracks, leaks, or other damage. Keep the area around it free of debris and plants. 

Check your filter monthly and make sure it’s clean. Please turn off the unit when you are not using it to avoid running up your electric bill. Install a programmable thermostat that will allow you to adjust the temperature while at work or on vacation. Set fans in windows and doors to circulate the cool air inside without running the AC unit 24/7. 

Open curtains during daylight hours, so sunlight can help keep your home cool without running the AC unit as much. Turn off lights whenever possible, so you don’t need to use as much energy for cooling your home.

Use LED Light Bulbs in Summers to save Electricity

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As the summer months approach, many of us are looking for ways to save money on our electricity bills. One way to do this is to switch to LED light bulbs. LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer, too.

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If you’re not sure whether LED bulbs are suitable for you, here are a few things to consider:

  • LED-bulbs use less electricity than the traditional incandescent-bulbs. For example, a standard 60-watt incandescent bulb uses about 8.5 watts of electricity, while a comparable LED bulb uses only about 2 watts. As a result, you’ll save about 80% on your electricity bill if you switch to LED bulbs.
  • LED bulbs are more expensive than traditional incandescent bulbs, but they’ll save you money in the long run. An LED bulb will cost you about $8, while a conventional incandescent bulb will cost you about $0.50. However, an LED bulb will save you about $60 in electricity costs throughout its lifetime. So, even though LED bulbs are more expensive up front, they’ll save you money in the long run.
  • If you’re looking for ways to save money on your electricity bill this summer, switching to LED light bulbs is a great option. LED bulbs use less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs, last longer, and save you money in the long run.

Purchase a Dehumidifier that Saves on Energy

Dehumidifiers are a great way to save money and Energy if you live in a particularly humid environment, like the south or the southwest. 

They can help you save up to 30% on your energy bills in just one year! But before you go out and buy just any old dehumidifier, you must know the difference between them. 

There are broadly two different types of units: cold-air-driven and heat pump. Cold-air-driven teams use a fan to circulate the air by pulling cool air from an area with lower temperatures into a room with higher temperatures. 

Heat pump dehumidifiers use refrigeration technology that takes heat from inside your home and transfers it outside.

Avoid the Oven and Wash Strategically

  • An oven uses the most Energy of any appliance in your kitchen, and it can use up to five times as much Energy as a microwave. So you’ll save between five and fifteen percent on your electric bill by just turning off your oven when you don’t need it. 

Cook food on the stovetop instead of using the oven. A gas stove burns more efficiently than an electric stove, so by cooking food on the stovetop instead of in the range, you’re already saving money and Energy! 

Use pots or casserole dishes rather than baking pans for roasting vegetables or other foods that need a long time in the oven. 

  • Washing your clothes more often is good because you’ll have less laundry. However, doing this wastes water and Energy. 

Plus, the dirtier your clothes get, the harder they wash out. The best strategy is to wash strategically based on what type of clothes you wear most often: dress shirts, jeans, sweatshirts, or t-shirts

For example, if you wear jeans most of the time, do a load of them every day or two but wait until you have at least three pairs before doing a load of dress shirts.

Plant bushes and shady trees

During the summer, shade is one of the best ways of keeping your energy costs low. Planting bushes and shady trees around your home can help create a canopy that blocks some of the sun’s rays and reduces your cooling costs. 

Plant trees and bushes in the area near your home. These plants will provide you with shade as well as natural air conditioning. 

Plant shade-loving plants in the sunny areas of your yard. They’ll help keep the place cool during the day while also providing you with privacy from nosy neighbors or strangers walking down the street.

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FAQ

  1. Why is it important to save energy during the summer?
    • Saving energy during the summer helps reduce the strain on the electrical grid, lowers energy consumption, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and can result in cost savings on your energy bills.
  2. How can I reduce my cooling costs during the summer?
    • You can reduce cooling costs by setting your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re not at home, using ceiling fans to circulate air, closing curtains or blinds to block out sunlight, and ensuring your home is properly insulated.
  3. Are there energy-efficient alternatives to air conditioning?
    • Yes, there are energy-efficient alternatives to air conditioning, such as using a programmable thermostat to regulate cooling, utilizing natural ventilation by opening windows during cooler times of the day, or using energy-efficient portable fans or evaporative coolers.
  4. How can I save energy while using my air conditioning?
    • You can save energy while using air conditioning by setting your thermostat to a higher temperature (such as 78°F or higher), using a programmable thermostat to adjust cooling based on your schedule, regularly maintaining and cleaning your air conditioning unit, and keeping doors and windows closed to prevent cool air from escaping.
  5. Are there energy-efficient lighting options for the summer?
    • Yes, using energy-efficient lighting options such as LED bulbs can help save energy during the summer. LED bulbs produce less heat compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing the cooling load on your home.
  6. How can I conserve water during the summer months?
    • You can conserve water by using efficient irrigation methods such as drip irrigation or watering during cooler times of the day, fixing any leaks in faucets or sprinkler systems promptly, and practicing water-saving habits like shorter showers and turning off the tap when not in use.
  7. What are some energy-saving tips for using appliances during the summer?
    • You can save energy when using appliances by running the dishwasher and laundry machine with full loads, using the energy-saving mode on appliances if available, avoiding using heat-generating appliances during the hottest parts of the day, and unplugging electronics and chargers when not in use.
  8. Are there any energy-saving incentives or rebates available during the summer?
    • Some utility companies or government programs offer energy-saving incentives or rebates during the summer, such as discounts on energy-efficient appliances or incentives for installing solar panels or energy-efficient HVAC systems. Check with your local utility company or government agency for available programs.
  9. How can I ensure my home is properly insulated for energy efficiency?
    • To ensure proper insulation, you can seal air leaks around windows, doors, and other openings, insulate the attic and walls, and consider using reflective coatings or shading devices on windows to minimize heat gain.

Remember to tailor your energy-saving efforts to your specific home and lifestyle. Implementing these tips can not only help you save energy and reduce costs but also contribute to a more sustainable and comfortable living environment during the summer.