With the summer season about to
start, we thought you would like some summer savings tips.
Air Conditioning
- Cut the Air Costs: Making
wise use of your air conditioner will help you save the most on your
energy bill during the summer. Set your air conditioner to the warmest
temperature that feels comfortable. Save energy by turning off your air
conditioner or adjusting the thermostat upward during cooler weather and
when no one is home.
- Window Air Conditioners: Turn the air conditioner off when you are not home.
- Central Air Conditioners: Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat when
you go out.
- Save Automatically: If you have a programmable thermostat, use it to
automatically adjust the temperature and save energy when you’re not
home.
- Change the Filter: Replace
or clean your window or central air conditioning filters once a month or
as directed by the manufacturer. Dirty filters restrict air flow and
increase energy use.
- Circulate Cool Air:
Use fans along with, or instead of, your air conditioner to make your home
feel cooler. Fans use far less electricity than air conditioners. A
ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting by about 4° F
with no reduction in comfort! Just remember to turn the fan off when you
leave the room.
- Beware of the Sunny Side: During the day, keep shades and curtains closed on the
sunny side of the house to reduce heat caused by sunlight.
- Keep Your Cool:
Make sure that windows and doors are closed tightly while your air
conditioner is running.
- Add weather stripping: Weather stripping around doors and windows can help
keep your home warm in the winter and keep cool, air-conditioned air
inside the home during the summer.
- Make sure your system is tuned up. It’s a good idea to get your A/C system inspected
annually – this can find small problems that both waste energy and lead to
major problems.
In the Kitchen
- Don’t Create Heat: To
keep the house cooler, try using a crock pot, toaster oven, or small
microwave instead of the stove or oven.
- Clean Up Efficiently: Dishwashers use electricity and produce heat. Only wash
full loads so you won’t have to run the dishwasher as often. Wait until
the hottest time of day has passed before running your dishwasher, and use
the more efficient “energy-saving” or “no heat dry” option.
- Clean the Coils: Vacuum
your refrigerator’s coils and, of course, don’t leave the fridge door open
longer than necessary.
Around the House
- Save on Lighting:
Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) instead of incandescent bulbs.
They use less electricity, produce less heat, and last up to 10 times
longer! And always turn off lights when you don’t need them.
- Use Fans:
Fans use far less electricity than air conditioning. Use fans alone or
with your air conditioner to stay cool for less money.
- Cut Computing Costs:
Computers use energy even when they are in standby mode. Set your
computer’s energy-saving options for maximum efficiency, and turn off the
computer when it’s not in use.
- Save on Laundry:
Always wash full loads of laundry and use cold water whenever possible.
Make sure the dryer doesn’t keep running after your clothes are dry — or
better yet — use a clothesline to save even more energy.
- Adjust the Water Heater Temperature: Set your water heater temperature to 120°F. If the
tank feels warm to the touch, add an insulating water heater “blanket,”
available at hardware stores.
- Check for Wasted Energy: Many electronic devices use energy even when they are
turned off. Common culprits include home entertainment systems, office
electronics, and appliances that include rechargeable batteries. Look for
appliances that can be unplugged or connected to a surge protector, which
can be easily switched off when the appliances are not needed.
In the Yard
- Landscape for Efficiency: Properly placed trees can reduce surrounding air
temperatures by as much as 9°F. Plant deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees to
the south and west of your home to provide shade. Use evergreens to create
winter windbreaks on the north and northwest sides of your home.
- Use Smart Lighting: Use
photo sensors, motion detectors or timers to control your outdoor lighting
and ensure that it is not left on when it is not needed.
- Go Solar:
Where possible, use solar-powered outdoor lighting.
Shopping
- Shop for Savings:
Keep energy efficiency in mind when shopping for light bulbs, appliances,
and electronics. Look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR©
label. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, while
offering high levels of performance and quality. Rebates are also available for high
efficiency units.
- Get the Right Air Conditioner: If you are shopping for a new air conditioner, look for
energy efficient models that have earned the ENERGY STAR© label, and make
sure you buy the proper size. One that is too large will start up and turn
off more frequently, and will not do as good a job at dehumidifying the
air.
Get Out and Stay Cool
Plan summer activities that will
help reduce your home air conditioning use while you stay cool and have fun.
Here are a few ideas:
- Dive In: Go
swimming. You’ll stay cool while you have fun and get in shape!
- Head to the Movies:
Enjoy a movie in an air conditioned theater.
- Explore Culture:
Plan your outings for hot days and get cool, and cultural, inside a museum
or art galleries.
- Hit the Books:
Head to your local air conditioned library to catch up on your summer
reading.
- Go Window Shopping: Get
out of the house and take a stroll in an air conditioned mall.
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