Summer Energy Saving Tips
Friday, July 9th, 2010
It’s officially summer. And Atlanta is living up to its Hot-lanta reputation. While the long, hot days can mean higher utility bills, there are simple everyday steps you can put into practice to cut back on your energy consumption and reduce your energy bills.
The average home spends about $1,900 a year on energy costs. Here are some tips that can help bring that $ amount down:
Quick, Simple Everyday Savings:
- Let Your Dishwasher Do the Cleaning - Yes, surprisingly your dishwasher uses less water than hand washing your dishes. Only run your dishwasher when it is full. For more savings, let the dishes air dry. If you chose to use the heat dry setting, run your dishwasher at night as to not add to the daytime heat inside the house.
- Postpone Doing the Laundry - Do your laundry at night to avoid generating extra heat in your home. Extra heat could cause the AC to kick on.
- Cook Quickly - The microwave uses two-thirds less energy than your stove or oven. Countertop appliances use a lot less energy as well. So if it is not a gourmet kind-of night, cook in your microwave or with countertop appliances.
- Or Cook Outside - Nothing says summer than grilling out. Give yourself a reason to cook outside. And you will cut back on your energy usage too.
- Program Your Thermostat - Program your thermostat when you’re at home to 78 degrees and to 85 degrees when you’re away. There is a 1-3% savings for each degree set over 72.
- Adjust the Water Heater Temperature - Turn the water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This will save energy and reduce your bill.
- Pull the Shade Down - Close the blinds, drapes, and shades during the day. This will keep the sunlight from heating up the home.
- Stay Unplugged - We’ve all been told to turn off lights, computers, printers, electronics, appliances, and other equipment when not in use. But to save more, unplug your computer, printer, electronics, and chargers once finished. Most new electronics use electricity even when switched “off”. For convenience, plug your electronics into a power strip and turn off the power strip.
- Replace Air Filters - Dirty air filters can restrict the airflow causing the air condition system to work longer increasing energy use.
- Seal Your Home – Check your doors and windows. Add weather-stripping, sealant, and caulk where the doors and windows allow air to escape.
- Time the Use of Your Attic Fan – The attic fan can force out hot air. There are more effective and efficient times to let the fan run. Use the fan after sundown when the outside temperature drops below 80 degrees, and use it early in the morning. The attic fan will help reduce your air condition use.
Make Good Energy Investments:
- Don’t Just Buy Energy Star® Appliances – It goes without saying that it is good to buy Energy Star® appliances for your largest appliances such as your Refrigerator, Washer, Dryer, and Air Conditioner. But Energy Star® offers more. Buy Energy Star® table lamps, light fixtures, programmable thermostat, and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Stay Cool on Your Patio - It is possible to enjoy a Sweet Tea on your patio in the summer. By installing patio covers and awnings to shade the patio, it’s possible to enjoy the outdoors. The covers and awnings will keep the house cooler from the sun.
- Go Up into the Attic – If your existing insulation level is R-19 or less, it’s time to upgrade by installing R-30 insulation in your attic. This will save about 10% of your energy use.
- Peep Through Your Windows – If your windows are single pane or need replacement, install Energy Star®, double-paned windows. This will make your home more comfortable year round and provide up to a 10% savings on energy.
Tags: Energy Efficiency, Energy Savings, Environment, Green
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