Energy Saving Tips - Summer Edition
The temperature may be rising but you don't have to lose your cool. Find tips to manage your energy costs and to keep your family cool and comfortable all summer long here.
Energy Saving Tips
Heating and Cooling Costs
Heating and cooling costs the average homeowner nearly half of the home's total energy bill. Consider ENERGY STAR - though these models can be a bit more expensive to purchase up front, the cost difference will be paid back over time through lower energy bills.
Buy the Right Size Air Conditioner
Many people buy a room air conditioner that is too large, thinking it will provide better cooling. But an oversized air conditioner is actually less effective - and wastes energy at the same. Air conditioners remove both heat and humidity from the air. If the unit is too large, it will cool the room quickly, but remove only some of the humidity. This leaves the air with a damp, clammy feeling. A properly sized unit will remove humidity effectively as it cools.
Know Before You Go
Are you shopping for a new washer, dryer or refrigerator? Every penny counts when making a major purchase, so use make sure you understand what the rebate qualifications are!
Rebates Available
Contact your gas and electric utility who may offer rebates on energy efficient appliances. Save money now, and in the long run!
Light your Home with a Cooler Bulb
LED bulbs use dramatically less energy (90% less!) to produce an equivalent amount of light. For example, you could use a 10-watt LED and enjoy the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent. Most of this energy savings comes from the fact that LEDs don’t generate nearly as much heat as traditional lightbulbs, meaning they help you save on your cooling bill as well! They also have a much longer lifespan of 50,000 hours or more, which surpasses both the incandescent bulb and the CFL by thousands of hours.
Kick it up a Degree with a Smart Thermostat
A programmable thermostat helps make it easy for you to save by offering many programmable settings to regulate your home's temperature in both summer and winter - when you are home, asleep, or away. You can save about 1% of your energy bill per degree you set back, meaning setting your thermostat 7-10degrees higher when you are away can save up to 10% on your cooling bill.
Start Saving $ on your Energy Bills
Is your central air conditioner on its last legs? Consider replacing it, and also making other improvements to make your home more energy efficient like adding insulation, or sealing leaky ducts. Your gas and electric utility companies offer the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program to help you get the work done. Then you'll have more money in your pocket from lower energy bills for years to come.
Change the Filter in your Central Air System
Dirty air filters restrict air flow and can make your entire cooling system up to 15% less efficient. Air filters are definitely worth the expense, especially if you or members of your family suffer from airborne allergies. Change them monthly for maximum benefit.
Make the Most of Ceiling Fans
There is often confusion on which way to run your ceiling fans in the summer. The bottom line: you want the blades to push the air down to create a cool breeze in a counterclockwise direction. To test your fan is blowing in the correct position, stand under the fan and turn it on high. If you don't feel the air on you, turn the fan off and flick the reverse toggle switch. If you feel more air, then you have it in the correct position for summer.
Did you know?
If you raise your thermostat by only two degrees and use your ceiling fan, you can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14% over the course of the cooling season.
Flip your Fridge!
Flip your Fridge by recycling your old one and purchasing a new, ENERGY STAR certified model!
Use your Appliances Wisely
Push a button to wash your dishes - your dishwasher uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Then let the dishes air dry to save even more!
Did you know?
That you should avoid running a dehumidifier at the same time as the air conditioner because it will force the air conditioner to work harder?
And....
If you have an extra refrigerator in the garage, unplug it or use it only when necessary. A refrigerator in an uncooled space uses more energy on hot summer days than it does during the winter.
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