It’s always good to learn about summer energy saving tips, even if it’s not summer, so you can plan ahead.
No one likes surprises when it comes to money, especially on their utility bills, and your usage will be increasing significantly, as you’ll find in your Smart Meter Texas usage data.
Get ahead of the summer season by comparing the best rates from the top energy providers. And follow these money-saving tips before summer bills have a chance to explode. Here’s how to save energy during the summer with simple and effective air conditioner tips and more.
Summer Energy Saving Tips
Saving energy in the summer doesn’t have to be complicated.
Simply using ceiling fans and adding table fans around the home in occupied rooms takes some of the load off your energy-giant AC unit, and sealing doors and windows with inexpensive weatherstripping helps keep cool air indoors and hot air out.
Air Conditioner Tips
One of the first things to look at is your home’s temperature.
The best temperature to set the thermostat at in summer depends on your comfort level. The higher it goes above 72 degrees, the more you’ll save.
Raise the thermostat while you’re away with a smart thermostat that enables you to program your weekly AC schedule. Some smart thermostats enable you to control your AC unit via app so you can change the temperature while away.
To see your AC energy savings grow, try raising the thermostat. For some, this can be difficult to do cold turkey, so it’s a good idea to increase the thermostat a few degrees at a time gradually. This allows your body to acclimate to the temperature change.
Before it gets warm, hold off on using the AC until it’s really needed. Opening windows and doors allows air circulation and can keep houses fresh. You can save energy during the summer by letting in outside air after a storm or sudden rain which will bring down the temperature. Ceiling fans help circulate air to make entire rooms feel cooler.
Home and AC Maintenance
One of the best ways to save money is by maintaining your AC unit and home. This helps address issues before they become a problem and ensures your unit is functioning.
For savings year-round, seal cracks in the home. Not only does this zap phantom energy leaks, it also has the bonus of pest control. Sealing cracks around windows and doors and in walls helps reduce wasted energy. Those cracks can be big enough to let in scorpions and other pests, so this could avoid pest-control bills in the future.
Keep It Clean
Remember to change the AC filters at least once a month. Not only does this help with your AC air flow, it will also help those who suffer from allergies. When dust and other pollutants line the vents, this not only prevents stable air flow but also lets these particles stay in your home. Have the vents cleaned once a year to ensure particulate-free air.
Rethink Appliance Use
Using the oven doesn’t just use energy, it also heats your home. It may sound too easy, but grilling up some Texas barbecue can lower energy costs.
After rethinking your stove, look at other appliances and evaluate their necessity during the summer. For example, using clothesline helps sanitize laundry with the power of the sun and also saves money in comparison to using your clothes dryer.
Another way to save is by washing your clothes in cold water. Setting the washing machine to cold still allows dirt-cleaning power but saves on energy costs. You can also hand-wash delicates in cold water. Cooler showers can also save money and help you cool down.
Think Like a Vampire
A vampire must avoid the sun at all costs. During the summer months, you should do the same. Invest in blackout curtains, which help with energy loss. Plan for the future by planting trees that will provide shade to avoid bright sunshine entering your windows.
Think like an energy vampire, and look for energy wasted in appliances and electronics. Unplug phone chargers when not in use. If you have a second fridge not being used to the fullest capacity, unplug it. Again, fill in those cracks around the house to stop energy loss.
Let the Right Light In
Incandescent light can actually give off heat. Ever try removing an incandescent bulb that’s just been turned off? It’s hot! By choosing LED lights, the cooler option, you can save on energy and avoid added heat in your home.
Saving money in the summer months doesn’t have to cause discomfort and hardship. A few simple changes will lower energy use and keep utility bill surprises away. You’ll enjoy saving money, and Mother Earth will benefit as well.
