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Whether you like it or not, Mother Nature will send the heat of summer as scheduled. You can, however, take steps to minimize the effects of summer on your monthly power bills.
Here are some energy saving tips to help you conserve power and shave off a few dollars from your utility costs, especially during the summer season:
1. Invest in the most efficient cooling units. Choose the ones that are appropriate for the areas they are supposed to cover. Consider energy saving features like fan-only options, change-filter indicators, and automatic timers.
2. Install your cooling units where they can remain shaded most of the day. Exposed them to direct sunlight will overwork the compressors.
3. Schedule regular maintenance checks for all cooling units. Replace air filters at least monthly.
4. Check for, and promptly repair, leaks in air ducts, windows and doors. Leaks will facilitate dissipation of cold air.
5. Reduce heat-generators, like incandescent bulbs, heat-generating appliances, and heat seeping from the ceiling or attic. Use cooler fluorescent lighting, operate heat-generating appliances in cooler hours of the day, and install insulators around the attic.
6. Don’t let the heat in. Install window blinds, curtains, and tints. Keep the drapes closed during the hottest hours of the day.
7. Set your airconditioner thermostat to 78 degrees. Each degree below this setting adds 6% to your cooling costs.
8. Use ceiling fans because as they move the air, they lower the temperature by as much as ten degrees.
9. Shut off the cooling vents in rooms you are not using.
10. If there’s a breeze, open windows and vents and use the airconditioner only during the hottest hours of the day.
11. Use your appliances with energy-conservation in mind. Run the dishwasher and clothes dryer only for full loads; try washing clothes using cold or warm, instead of hot water. Open the refrigerator door only when you’re sure about what you want to put in or take out.
12. If you’re leaving for the day, turn up your thermostat a couple of degrees. Do not turn your cooling system off unless you’ll be gone for an extended period of time because cooling systems work best when they maintain a steady temperature, instead of making large adjustments.
13. Plant shade trees around your house to help cool your surroundings.
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