Ways to Save Energy In The Summer

As the summer heat sets in, there is usually an increase in energy consumption. Many of us have our air conditioners running full blast, fans whirring constantly, and appliances working overtime – and all of these can mean higher electricity bills. It is usually also not eco-friendly to be having a bigger carbon footprint.

However, there are plenty of ways to stay cool and comfortable while also saving energy during the summer months. Here are some ways to save energy in the summer.

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Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Invest in energy-efficient appliances, which can include air conditioners, fans, refrigerators, washing machines, etc. Look for products with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Set  Your Thermostat Wisely

Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature. It is helpful to have a programmable thermostat so that you can set a schedule to minimize energy use.  This can help with optimizing energy usage when you’re away from home.

For every degree you raise the thermostat above 78°F (26°C), you can save on cooling costs.

Utilize Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can help circulate air and create a cooling effect, making you feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.

In the summer, set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise to push cool air downward. Remember to turn off fans when you leave the room to save energy.

Curtains & Blinds

Keep curtains, blinds, and shades closed during the hottest part of the day to block out sunlight and prevent heat gain.

Choose light-colored window treatments that reflect sunlight, or blackout curtains. Consider installing reflective window film to reduce solar heat gain further.

Use Natural Ventilation

Take advantage of cooler evening temperatures by opening windows and allowing natural ventilation to cool your home. Position fans near windows to draw in cool air and create cross-ventilation throughout the house. Be sure to close windows and blinds during the day to trap cool air inside.

Seal and Insulate

Seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and ducts to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering your home. Insulate your attic, walls, and floors to reduce heat transfer and improve energy efficiency. Proper insulation can significantly lower cooling costs and keep your home more comfortable year-round.

Minimize Heat Generation

Avoid using heat-generating appliances such as ovens, stoves, and clothes dryers during the hottest part of the day. Instead, cook meals outdoors on a grill or use small countertop appliances like toaster ovens or slow cookers, which produce less heat. Hang clothes to dry outside or use a clothesline indoors to save energy on drying.

Upgrade Lighting

Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy and last much longer. LED bulbs produce less heat, reducing the need for additional cooling in your home. Make it a habit to turn off lights when not in use to further conserve energy.

Limit Appliance Use

Unplug electronics and appliances when they’re not in use to prevent standby power consumption, also known as “phantom energy.” Use power strips to easily turn off multiple devices at once. Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads to maximize energy efficiency.

Consider air-drying dishes and laundry whenever possible. A folding clothes drying rack is a great tool for air drying clothing.

Eco-Friendly Landscaping

Planting shade trees strategically around your home can help block direct sunlight and reduce cooling costs. Deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the winter, provide shade in the summer while allowing sunlight to penetrate during the colder months, helping to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round.

Reduce the amount of grass in your yard, and choose plants that are native and require less watering.  For example, choose drought-resistant plants and use rocks or mulch for landscaping beds.

Maintain Your HVAC System

Regular maintenance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is essential for optimal performance and energy efficiency. Make sure that things are maintained and updated.  You may want to consider something like a dedicated circuit for your air conditioner to make sure it is always working when you need it.

Replace air filters every 1-3 months to ensure proper airflow and clean the outdoor condenser unit to remove dirt and debris that can obstruct airflow.

Stay Cool Naturally

Dress in lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or linen to stay cool without relying solely on air conditioning.

Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, and use handheld fans or misting bottles to cool off when outdoors.

Consider Renewable Energy Such as Solar

Explore renewable energy options such as solar panels or wind turbines to generate clean, sustainable power for your home.

Installing solar panels can significantly reduce your reliance on grid electricity and lower your carbon footprint over time.

By implementing these energy-saving tips, you can keep your home cool and comfortable while reducing your energy consumption and environmental impact during the summer months. Saving energy not only helps lower utility bills but also contributes to a more sustainable future for generations to come.