If you’re a Texas resident, you may be wondering how an increase in temperatures and the potential for tropical storms may impact your energy rates. While hotter weather often means cranking up the air conditioner and using more electricity, there are plenty of summer energy saving strategies you can use to stay comfortable while reducing your energy consumption and costs during the sweltering summer months.
At CleanSky Energy, we believe in the importance of preparing for extreme weather. In this article, we’ll look at practical summer energy saving strategies that can help you stay cool, lower your electricity usage and reduce energy costs.
1. Install Proper Insulation and Programmable Thermostats
Proper insulation helps keep cool air inside, which reduces the strain on your air conditioning unit and ultimately leads to lower energy bills. Common insulation options include spray foam, fiberglass and cellulose. Consider speaking with a professional to determine the best type of insulation for your home.
You can also install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, helping you avoid cooling an empty house.
2. Maintain your HVAC System
Before the hot weather arrives, it’s important to have your HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system checked by a professional to make sure that it’s in good working order. This includes changing the air filter, checking the thermostat, and making sure that all of the components are working properly. Regular HVAC maintenance is one of the most effective summer energy saving measures homeowners can take before temperatures rise.
3. Keep Heat Out of Your Home
Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat gain in your home during the summer months. To help keep your home cooler, consider installing window coverings such as blinds, shades, or blackout curtains to block sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures. Closing blinds, curtains, and unused room doors during the hottest parts of the day can further reduce heat buildup. Additionally, sealing gaps around windows and doors helps prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. Together, these simple steps can reduce the workload on your air conditioner and lessen electricity bills.
4. Use Your Green Thumb
Trees provide shade, which can reduce the amount of heat that enters your home through windows and walls, lowering your cooling costs. Bushes and shrubs also help cool the surrounding air by providing shade and increasing the level of moisture in the air. Investing in strategic landscaping can improve your home’s energy efficiency and create a naturally cooler outdoor environment during the summer months.
5. Save Water Outdoors
Programmable sprinklers can be set to water your lawn or garden during the early morning or late evening hours, when temperatures are cooler and the evaporation rate is lower. This means that less water is required to keep your lawn or garden hydrated, which can result in lower water bills. If you own a pool, consider using a pool cover. Pool covers block the sun’s heat from directly entering the water, reducing the need for energy to cool the water.
6. Use Fans for Summer Energy Savings
Fans use significantly less electricity than an air conditioning system and can make rooms feel cooler by improving air circulation. Consider raising your thermostat a few degrees and using ceiling, box, or desk fans to maintain comfort while using less energy. If outdoor temperatures are cooler than indoor temperatures, placing a fan in a window can also help push hot air out of your home.
7. Reduce Indoor Heat from Everyday Activities
Many everyday, indoor activities generate unnecessary heat inside your home. To avoid this, you can:
• Wash with cold water whenever possible.
• Air dry clothing on a clothesline or drying rack outside.
• Cook on the stove during cooler morning or evening hours.
• Grill outdoors rather than use the oven
• Replace incandescent bulbs with LED light bulbs.
• Run a dehumidifier
• Consider upgrading to energy-efficient appliances.
8. Avoid Energy Waste
Even when turned off, many electronics continue using electricity. This “phantom” or “vampire” energy use can add up over time. To reduce energy waste, unplug your devices when they’re not in use and use power strips with built-in switches.
9. Stay Cool Naturally
If your home has a basement, consider spending time there during the hottest parts of the day. Because heat rises and the surrounding earth provides natural insulation, basements often stay cooler than the upper levels of a home. At night, opt for lightweight bedding materials such as cotton or linen. Breathable fabrics can help you stay cool and comfortable while you sleep, reducing the temptation to lower the thermostat overnight.
10. Complete Your Summer Energy Saving Plan With CleanSky Energy
If you really want to save energy and lower your electricity bill, it may be time to assess the terms of your current contract. Are your rates competitive? Do you have a plan that suits your lifestyle and energy usage habits? Is the electricity you’re using produced with 100% clean and renewable wind, solar and carbon-neutral natural gas?
With CleanSky Energy, you’ll enjoy great fixed rates, 100% renewable energy, and unparalleled customer service. Give us a call at
888-355-6205 and we’ll help you make the switch today!
Sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/reviewed/2021/07/19/air-condition-choose-best-cooling-solution/8016333002/
