Here are tips to help you save energy during the spring and summer when the weather is warm and you are trying to keep your home cool. Consider adopting some of these habits in order to lower your energy use during the hottest months of the year and some money back in your wallet.
- Air Conditioner & Home Cooling Tips:
- Have your air conditioner tuned up and clean or replace filters monthly for efficient operation. During a tune up, your technician will clean the system, perform preventative maintenance, ensure proper fluid levels and take other steps to optimize energy efficiency and prevent sudden breakdowns.
- 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 live in a climate where it cools off at night, turn off cooling system and open your windows while sleeping. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture cool air.
- Keep your vents clear. Your air conditioner can’t work efficiently if your vents are blocked by rugs or furniture. Check all of your vents to make sure they’re open, free of dust and directing air toward the center of the room.
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat. These can be controlled from anywhere with the tap of a smartphone, making it easy to warm things up a few degrees when you’re away from home.
- On hot days, avoid using the oven; cook on the stove, use a microwave oven, or grill outside. Using a gas or charcoal grill requires little to no energy, beating out the likes of the energy efficient oven or slightly better microwave. Time spent grilling is also time spent outside with your family, meaning that you can drastically decrease the total electricity consumption inside your home.
- After you wash your laundry, consider skipping the dryer and hang your clothes outside on a clothesline. Though it may them a bit longer to dry, the process uses absolutely no energy. This is a cut and dry way to reduce your electricity expenses.
- Keep track of your electronics. Be mindful of where your thermostats are and try to keep electronics away from them. Devices like computers, curling irons, hair dryers, stereos, and televisions heat up your house as well, so make sure they’re turned off when they’re not being used.
- Lower your water heating costs. Turn down the temperature of your water heart to the warm setting. You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.