Smart Energy Tips for Hot Days
Are you ready to discover effective strategies to help you save energy and reduce costs during the warmer months? Whether you're looking to stay cool indoors or keep your utility bills low, the tips below offer practical solutions. Many are free and easy to incorporate into your daily routine, while others involve simple, low-cost actions that can make a big difference in maintaining energy efficiency all season long!
Use Your Windows to Keep Out Heat
Install window coverings to prevent heat from coming through your windows during the day. These window coverings include:
Interior Coverings
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Blinds
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Pleated shades
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Roller shades
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Roman shades
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Storm windows/window panels
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Shutters
Exterior Coverings
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Films applied directly to glass
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Exterior shades
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Shutters
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Awnings
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Solar screens
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Storm Windows
Operate Your Thermostat Efficiently
Set your thermostat to a temperature you find comfortable but that is not too large of a difference from the outside air temperature. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, then lower the thermostat setting when you return home and need cooling. A programmable thermostat allows you to do this automatically and without sacrificing comfort.
Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you first turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
Use Fans and Ventilation Strategies to Cool Your Home
Another cost-effective tip is to turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).
Doing one or all of these tips will help you save on energy costs this summer!