07/27/2023
Energy savings tips
Summer
The easiest way to keep your home cool is to prevent it from heating up in the first place. Good insulation, caulking and weather stripping help regulate the temperature inside. Shade trees, overhangs and awnings help, too.
Here are some no-cost and low-cost conservation tips:
Air conditioning / cooling
- Set the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. You'll save around 5 to 10 percent on cooling costs for every two degrees you raise the temperature.
- Adjust ceiling fans to turn counter-clockwise in the summer.
- Use fans instead of central air conditioning whenever possible. A fan costs about 90% less to operate.
- Change the air filter regularly. An air conditioning unit with dirty filters can use 5-10% more energy. In general, HVAC system air filters should be replaced once a month. However, since there are different types of filters, you should check your manufacturer’s recommendation regarding replacement. You can find your filter in the return air register (may be on the wall or ceiling) or on the HVAC unit itself.
- Clean the condenser coils. Make sure your AC system is off at the thermostat. Then, clean the outdoor coils with a garden hose by gently washing in a downward angle (only if on the ground). For a deeper clean, you can spray the coils with a mild cleaning solution and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.
- Clean the evaporator coils. This is quite easy and can be done in 5 steps:
Turn off your AC system.
Mix warm water and a mild cleaning solution.
Open the panel with the evaporator coil in it.
Spray the cleaner on the coils and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Gently wipe away dirt and debris with a soft cloth.
Appliances
- Use your oven, stove, dishwasher, dryer, washing machine and other heat-producing appliances early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.
- Get rid of your older-model refrigerator or freezer, especially if you have an extra one in your garage.
Cooking
- Prepare cold meals or put your grill to work.
- Microwaves use less than half the power of a conventional oven. Consider using your microwave to cook or reheat your dinner during peak hours.
More ways to save
- Keep windows, blinds and draperies closed to keep the heat out.
- Turn off unnecessary lights.
No matter what the season, you'll save money by saving energy.
Water heaters
- Wrap your water heater with a water heater blanket to keep heated water warm.
- Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees.
- Install low-flow showerheads and fix any leaky faucets.
Weatherization
- If your house is more than 15 years old, check the insulation in the attic and floor.
- Check the weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows. Up to 20% of the heat or cool air inside a typical house is lost through the windows.
- Curtains or blinds can act as additional insulation for windows, or can be opened to let in the sun’s heat.
Lighting
- Consider replacing any incandescent bulbs or compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) in your home with energy-efficient LEDs.
- Install light-sensitive controls or timers to automatically turn off lights when they're not needed.
- Choose solar-powered lights for your yard.
- Use desk lamps to focus the light where you actually need it, rather than wasting energy lighting the entire room.
Appliances
- When you're not using lights and appliances, turn them off or unplug them if possible.
- Use smart strips so you can easily turn off multiple appliances at once.
- Use dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers only when they’re full.
- Avoid using appliances during the peak hours of 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., when demand for electricity is highest.
- Clean the coils at the back or bottom of your refrigerator to keep it running efficiently.
- Keep in mind that every time you open the refrigerator door, the compressor has to run for 8 to 10 minutes to cool it down again.
- Replace appliances with an Energy Star® model—they’re up to 40% more efficient than older models.
