Summer Energy Saving Tips

Here are 10 things you can do to use less energy this summer, save some money on your utility bills and be cooler in the process.

1. USE A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT

You can adjust the temperature to go a bit higher and give your AC a break while you’re away at work, school, or whatever during the day and have it cool down before you get home when you can enjoy it.

summer saving energy - use programmable thermostat

2. CHANGE DIRTY FILTERS

A dirty air filter causes your air conditioning unit to work harder than it should due to a lack of airflow. The harder it works, the quicker its parts will wear out and need repairs which can shorten the life of your HVAC unit.

summer energy saving - change air filter

3. KEEP BLINDS/CURTAINS CLOSED

Direct sunlight coming into your home can increase the temperature inside. Placing curtains and/or blinds on your windows and keep them closed during the day can reduce the amount of extra temperature you let in.

summer saving energy - close blinds and curtains

4. USE FANS

A fan is great to use in your home to cool off a room and it allows you to set your thermostat to be a few degrees warmer without feeling much of a difference and which definitely can lower your energy bill.

5. GET AIR CONDITIONER SERVICED

Having the annual service done on your air conditioner can keep it running properly as well as help your energy bill be lower than it might be without maintenance.

summer saving energy - ac annual tuneup service

6. TURN OFF LIGHTS

Light bulbs produce heat, especially incandescent ones and using them minimally throughout the day helps to not produce any extra heat.

7. GRILL OUTSIDE

Cooking in the kitchen, especially with the oven, can create quite a bit of heat. Opt to cook outside on your grill whenever possible during the summer and enjoy the yummy bbq feasts while you can.

8. WASH CLOTHES IN COLD & DRY LOW

Whenever you can, use cold water to wash your clothes and your energy bills will be lower. Also, dry clothes on the low setting to use less power with the added bonus of not shrinking them too.

summer saving energy - wash clothes in cold / dry on low

9. USE AIR DRY ON DISHWASHER

It’s not necessary to have dishes heat-dried in the dishwasher. Turn the heat drying setting off (if possible) and after the dishwashing cycle has ended, crack the door open about the size of your hand and let the dishes dry naturally. In fact, this is something you can do all year long to save energy.

summer saving energy - air dry dishwasher

10. LET THE NIGHT AIR IN

Make the most of cooler night temperatures by opening the windows before sleeping. Of course, security should be your primary concern prior to leaving them open as you doze off.

summer saving energy - open window and let night air in

Now you have a few ideas on how can keep your house cool and cut your energy bills this summer! This list can help you lessen the heat in your home and enjoy summer even more.

Jul 2nd 2020

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