As the year progresses, we will start noticing a few things happening. One is that the nights are becoming shorter, and the days are longer. And with summer comes hot weather.
With summer just around the corner, might you plan to spend more time indoors? No matter if you’re chilling out in your home or outside camping at the beach, both of these situations require you to use energy like electricity.
This means it’s a perfect time to be reminded of how to conserve energy at home or out there. So, to save some cash and do a little bit of good for the environment, here are eight ways to conserve energy this summer.
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1. Set Your Thermostat
It might be hard to believe, but you can save energy by setting your thermostat higher. The higher you put it, the less time your system will run and the more money you’ll save. You may not like it, but try to get used to it.
If you have trouble sleeping when it’s too cold, try using a sleep mask or earplugs. Even if they’re not 100 percent effective, they can help you fall asleep faster and sleep better throughout the night.
If you don’t want to change the temperature in your bedroom at night, use an open window instead of turning on the heat or air conditioning during summer nights.
You can open windows to allow cool air outside into your home, keeping it more relaxed than if you had an air conditioner running all night.
To make things better, you can also use a programmable thermostat. If you haven’t already done so, now is the perfect time to invest in a programmable thermostat.
These devices allow you to set up different temperature settings throughout the day and night so that you don’t have to worry about changing your HVAC system’s settings manually every time you leave or arrive home.
You may also want to consider purchasing a smart thermostat that features Wi-Fi connectivity and allows you to control your heating and cooling remotely via your smartphone or tablet device.
With this device, it will be much easier to keep track of how much energy each room in your home uses at any given time throughout the day or night.
2. Check Outlets, Switch Plates, And Light Fixtures For Leaking Air Or Heat
Check outlets, switch plates, and light fixtures for leaking air or heat. If a draft comes from an outlet or switch plate, it’s time for a new one.
Light fixtures that are loose or have broken seals can leak as much as 50 percent of the light they produce — so replace them if they’re old or broken.
3. Clean or Replace Air Filters
Air filters are an easy way to save energy. They prevent dust and allergens from circulating in your home, reducing the need for air conditioning and heating.
If you have central air conditioning or a window unit, it’s essential to ensure the filter is clean.
Be sure to change the filter once each month during the summer months. You can do this yourself or have a professional do it for you.
In addition, it would be best to check your portable unit’s filter regularly if you use a portable air conditioner instead of central air conditioning. This will ensure that it runs efficiently and doesn’t strain your system.
4. Insulate and Seal the Home
If you’re living in an older home, chances are it’s not as well insulated as newer homes. Adding more insulation to your attic and walls can reduce the heat that escapes through those areas.
While at it, ensure that any air leaks are sealed off, so warm air doesn’t escape through cracks or other openings. Also, seal any holes around pipes and wires that go through walls or floors.
5. Replace Old Windows with Energy-Efficient Ones
This is one of the easiest ways to save money on electricity bills during summer.
Energy-efficient windows allow sunlight to enter your home but keep out the heat, so you don’t have to use air conditioning as much during the day.
You can also install blinds or curtains that block direct sunlight when you don’t need it – for example, when you go to bed at night.
6. Install a Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans can help cool your home without turning on the air conditioning unit. In addition, ceiling fans use about one-third less electricity than air conditioners, which can help you keep cool without breaking the bank.
A ceiling fan creates airflow and moves hot air around the room; they also help circulate cool air from outside into hotter rooms within your home.
When installing a ceiling fan, purchase one that runs counterclockwise to provide maximum cooling benefits.
7. Perform Regular Maintenance on Your Air Conditioner
It’s crucial to perform regular maintenance on your air conditioner to work efficiently and not need repair.
Most manufacturers recommend that you have your unit serviced once per year. If you have a window unit, check the filter monthly and change it when needed; if you have central air conditioning, ensure the coils are cleaned yearly by a professional HVAC technician.
Final Thoughts
Summer is a great time to reduce your carbon footprint, and it’s also a great way to save some cash during what can often be a costly season.
So, we have listed our top 8 tips for saving energy this summer; we hope you’ve found it informative.
However, there are many more ways to save energy around the home.
These include updating your insulation and windows, upgrading appliances like fridges, freezers, and washing machines, insulating hot water pipes, and replacing old lights with efficient LED lightbulbs.
As we mentioned earlier, these tips are easy to follow and don’t require much extra effort.
So whether you’re looking for ways to reduce your electricity usage or want to find new ways to stay cool this summer, you should see a tip that works for you here.