Summer is here, and we have already had a few 90 degree plus days. More will be coming. We hope by now that you have had your air conditioner inspected, and that it is running at peak efficiency. That will help keep your house cool, and cut down on energy costs.
But that is not the only way you can keep your energy costs low this summer. Here are 15 more. And note that many of these tips are appropriate for all seasons.
Window Treatment
1. If the weather is cool, open the windows.
2. If it is warm, draw the blinds or shades to keep the heat from the sun from entering the house.
3. Seal any leaks around windows (or doors) to keep warm air from entering your house.
Setting the Thermostat
4. Set your thermostat as high as possible while still maintaining comfort. Even setting the thermostat one degree higher can reduce your electricity bill significantly.
5. Set the thermostat higher when you are not home.
6. If you are home during the day and the thermostat is set lower, consider setting it higher when you sleep.
7. Consider a programmable thermostat so you don’t need to remember to manually change the temperature.
8. Do not put lamps, TV sets or other heat-producing items near the thermostat. The thermostat will sense the heat and cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
Be a Fan of Fans
9. Use ceiling fans. A ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat about four degrees Fahrenheit without changing your comfort level.
10. But turn off the ceiling fan when you leave the room.
11. Consider an attic fan. Attic fans can make the whole house cooler.
12. Use a bathroom fan when you shower or take a bath. It can remove the heat and humidity. But make sure the fan is vented to the outside and not the attic.
More Cool Ideas
13. Try not to use the oven to cook. The microwave generates less heat. Also consider grilling outside. Or prepare cold dishes that do not need to be cooked at all.
14. Wash only full loads of clothes or dishes.
15. Take shorter showers.
But that is not the only way you can keep your energy costs low this summer. Here are 15 more. And note that many of these tips are appropriate for all seasons.
Window Treatment
1. If the weather is cool, open the windows.
2. If it is warm, draw the blinds or shades to keep the heat from the sun from entering the house.
3. Seal any leaks around windows (or doors) to keep warm air from entering your house.
Setting the Thermostat
4. Set your thermostat as high as possible while still maintaining comfort. Even setting the thermostat one degree higher can reduce your electricity bill significantly.
5. Set the thermostat higher when you are not home.
6. If you are home during the day and the thermostat is set lower, consider setting it higher when you sleep.
7. Consider a programmable thermostat so you don’t need to remember to manually change the temperature.
8. Do not put lamps, TV sets or other heat-producing items near the thermostat. The thermostat will sense the heat and cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
Be a Fan of Fans
9. Use ceiling fans. A ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat about four degrees Fahrenheit without changing your comfort level.
10. But turn off the ceiling fan when you leave the room.
11. Consider an attic fan. Attic fans can make the whole house cooler.
12. Use a bathroom fan when you shower or take a bath. It can remove the heat and humidity. But make sure the fan is vented to the outside and not the attic.
More Cool Ideas
13. Try not to use the oven to cook. The microwave generates less heat. Also consider grilling outside. Or prepare cold dishes that do not need to be cooked at all.
14. Wash only full loads of clothes or dishes.
15. Take shorter showers.
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