Beat the Heat This Summer with Ways You Can Help Conserve Your Home Energy Usage
Summer is in full swing, and the heat can make it tempting to turn down your thermostat and put the air conditioner on blast, but increased usage can lead to an increase in your monthly energy bill. The good news is you can help reduce your usage and help prevent high energy bills when you apply these simple energy saving tips.
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Set thermostats 2 to 3 degrees higher from 2 to 7 p.m. and use fans to feel 4 to 6 degrees cooler.
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Follow the 4-by-4 rule: if no one is going to be home for more than 4 hours, set the temperature 4 degrees higher while you’re gone.
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If you have a programmable thermostat, set to a higher degree when you are not home, and then set to cool down before you arrive back at home. Be mindful of all pets’ needs as well.
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Use ceiling or portable fans. These will help move the air and make the room feel four to six degrees cooler and will use less energy than the air conditioner.
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Keep doors and windows shut tight. Also, avoid opening and closing them as often as possible.
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Use power strips for electronics and home office equipment. Even when turned off, these will continue to consume electricity when plugged into a wall. A power strip will eliminate this standby electricity consumption.
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Remember to keep all shades and curtains shut tightly to block the sunlight and heat.
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Change Air Filters every 90 days to keep your air conditioner running at its peak performance level.
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Minimize the usage of the stove, oven, dishwasher, and clothes washer/dryer during the daytime when temperatures are higher.
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Only run the dishwasher and clothes washer when fully loaded. Line dry when at all possible.
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Turning lights off not only helps save on electricity but it also generates less heat.
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Avoid using the bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans longer than necessary. These replace inside air with outside air.
Making a few small adjustments to your daily routine can help lower your energy usage, helping to control your energy bill during the summer months. Find more energy saving tips below:
Vacation Energy Saving Tips
Simple Summer Energy Saving Tips
Pool Energy-Efficiency Tips