Want to save some money this summer? There are many ways renters and homeowners can reduce their energy use – often without spending a dime. We have provided a list of several things to consider this summer.
Windows and Doors:
During the summer months, it’s important to maximize the cool air in your home while eliminating as much heat from the outside, keeping your home as comfortable as possible. A few ways to make sure you are keeping the cool air in and the hot air out are:
- Install window coverings to prevent heat gain through your windows.
- Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
- Add caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows.
Thermostats:
Your programmable or smart thermostat can keep you comfortable in the summer and help you manage your electric bills. Set your thermostat as high as you can. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees. That setting may seem high, but if you follow the other tips in this newsletter, you can keep the warm air out and keep your overall electric bill low. You want the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures as small as possible. A few ways to accomplish this are:
- Keep your home warmer when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting only when you are home and need it cooler.
- A programmable thermostat can make it easy to set your temperature when you are not home.
- Learn to operate your thermostat for maximum energy savings.
- Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder than normal setting when you turn on your air conditioner. It doesn’t cool your home more quickly.
Air Conditioners:
Avoid costly repairs and achieve maximum efficiency through routine maintenance of your system.
- Schedule regular maintenance for your cooling equipment.
- Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
- Vacuum the registers (where the room air enters the AC unit) regularly to remove dust buildup. Ensure that furniture and other objects are not blocking the airflow through your registers.
Water Heaters:
Water heating accounts for nearly 20% of the energy consumed in your home. To keep your water heating costs down, you should:
- Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120ºF). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes in cold water. Also, consider air drying both dishes and clothing to lower your costs.
Don’t add Heat to Your Home in Summer:
The last thing you want on those sweltering, hot dog days of summer is to create unnecessary heat in your home. There are a few steps that you can take to lessen the heat generated in your home through appliances and lighting:
- On hot days, avoid using the oven; cook on the stove, use a microwave oven, or use a hot plate or grill outside.
- Install efficient lighting that runs cooler. Only about 10% to 15% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light – the rest is turned into heat. Call us at 210-353-2SAV (2728) to schedule a home energy assessment and we’ll install improved bulbs for free!
- Take advantage of natural light instead of artificial lighting, but avoid direct sunlight.
- Take shorter showers instead of baths.
- Minimize activities during the hottest period of the day that will generate more heat in your home. Wait to do your laundry or run your dishwasher until the cooler evening hours.
These summer saving tips will not only save you money, but will keep you cool in the hot summer months ahead. A few small investments and adjustments made today can give you and your family peace of mind and allow everyone to enjoy a comfortable home without breaking the bank. Not sure where to begin? We can help!