Energy Efficiency Tips for the Spring and Summer
May 21, 2018
Energy Efficiency Tips for the Spring and Summer
Efficiency Smart offers the following tips that can increase your home’s comfort in the warmer months while also saving you energy and money.
- Simple savings: The easiest way to save energy is to turn off lights, appliances
and electronicsnot in use. Use an advanced power strip to control multiple appliances at once. - Seal air leaks and gaps: Caulking and weatherstripping your home are two cost-effective air-sealing techniques that can offer a quick return on your investment. Sealing can help keep conditioned air from leaking out.
- Check your water heater: Reduce your water heater to a safe and comfortable temperature to save energy and money. Although some manufacturers set water heater thermostats at 140 degrees, you can reduce this to 130 degrees.
- Take in the breeze: Open windows during milder spring temperatures and during cooler summer nights. This can help naturally cool your home without having to switch on your air conditioner. Just remember to shut the windows if you need to use air conditioning.
- Light your home efficiently: Use natural light in your home when possible. When lights are needed, consider using ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs instead of incandescent lights. Only 10 to 15 percent of electricity consumed by incandescent bulbs results in
light , the rest produces heat and will make your air conditioner work harder. - Save on air conditioning: Raise the temperature on your thermostat when you’re away from home for more than a couple hours to save on cooling
costs, or consider purchasing an advanced thermostat that can automatically adjust the temperature based on outside weather conditions and your schedule. - Be a fan of fans: Reduce your air conditioning costs while keeping the same level of comfort by using your ceiling fan and raising the thermostat around four degrees. Make sure to turn off the ceiling fans when you leave, as fans cool people, not rooms.
- Watch your savings bloom: If it is time to replace your existing appliances, consider purchasing ENERGY STAR certified products to save on energy costs. Efficiency Smart offers rebates on qualified products to help
participating customers save evenmore more . - Spring clean
around your home: Cut your energy costs by getting better performance from your appliances. Clean dust from under your fridge and any exposed coils at the back. Clear lint from the exhaust hose and the filter of your clothes dryer. Dust bathroom ceiling fan covers and fan blades. Take a look outside for any accessible exterior vents and clear them of any dust, webs, leaves or lint. Change your air filter, as a clogged air filter will make your system work harder to cool your home. Make sure your air vents are not blocked by furniture, carpeting, or drapes so your home can be cooled efficiently
For information about services and financial incentives available to customers of municipal electric systems that participate in Efficiency Smart, visit www.efficiencysmart.org or call 877-889-3777.
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