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, reducing strain on your air conditioning unit and ultimately lowering your 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.
A homeowner can achieve one of the most cost-effective improvements by sealing the gaps because homes with poor insulation tend to lose a large portion of their cooled air through the attics, walls and floors.
You can also install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, helping you avoid cooling an empty house. Setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for part of each day can save up to 10% annually on cooling and heating costs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
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 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to save energy in the summer?
The simplest way of saving energy in the summer is to raise your thermostat by a few degrees and make use of fans to keep the air moving. Together with blocking air leaks around the windows and doors, these minor adjustments can clearly lessen the strain on your air conditioner.
How much can a programmable thermostat save on my summer energy bill?
The U.S. Department of Energy states that if you reduce your thermostat setting by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours each day from its usual level, you can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills. Using a programmable or smart thermostat makes it simple to automate these changes without having to compromise on comfort when you’re at home.
Does closing blinds and curtains really lower my cooling costs?
Yes. Since windows are one of the main sources of heat entering a house, keeping the blinds, shades, or blackout curtains closed during the hottest parts of the day can significantly lower indoor temperatures and thus mean that your air conditioner does not have to run as frequently.
What temperature should I set my thermostat to in the summer to save money?
Many energy experts advise setting the thermostat to about 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re at home and to a higher temperature when you’re away or asleep. If you combine this setting with a ceiling fan, you’ll be just as comfortable while using less energy, since fans make a room feel several degrees cooler.
How can I lower my electric bill without giving up air conditioning?
You don’t have to choose between comfort and savings. Maintaining your HVAC system, sealing gaps around windows and doors, using fans to support your air conditioner, and unplugging electronics that draw phantom power can all lower your bill while keeping your home cool. Reviewing your electricity plan with a provider like CleanSky Energy is another simple way to make sure you’re getting a competitive, renewable-friendly rate.
Sources:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/reviewed/2021/07/19/air-condition-choose-best-cooling-solution/8016333002/
