As temperatures rise, so do energy bills. Summer often means cranking up the air conditioning, washing more beach towels and swimsuits, and generally using more electricity. However, with some smart strategies, you can minimize your energy consumption and reduce those sky-high utility costs. This guide explores practical ways to save energy during the hottest months of the year without sacrificing comfort.
Top Energy-Saving Tips for Summer
Implementing energy-saving measures doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some effective ways to reduce energy usage and keep utility bills in check during summer:
1. Optimize Thermostat Settings
One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to save energy is to adjust your thermostat. While it’s tempting to blast the AC on hot days, even small temperature increases can lead to big savings.
Setting the indoor temperature to at least 75°F can make a noticeable difference in your energy consumption. The smaller the gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the less work the air conditioner has to do, which results in lower cooling bills.
Jeff Mumford, president of Choose Energy, advises, “Set your thermostat at 78°F and leave it there, except for times when the house is empty. During those times, for every degree above 78, you can save up to 8 percent on your monthly bill.”
Raise the temperature (around 78°F) or turn off the air conditioner completely when no one is home. Sometimes, leaving the AC running consistently all day may be more cost-effective than repeatedly cooling down the entire house.
Installing a programmable thermostat can provide additional savings by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule. This ensures that your air conditioning system is not running at full capacity when it’s not needed, such as during work hours or overnight.
2. Utilize Fans Effectively
Fans can be a homeowner’s best friend during summer, allowing for a higher thermostat setting without sacrificing comfort. Using ceiling fans in occupied rooms can make it feel up to 4°F cooler, letting you turn up the thermostat to a higher setting without discomfort.
Jeff Mumford recommends, “Switch your ceiling fan’s blade rotation. During summer, your ceiling fan blades should rotate counterclockwise. Why? This will push cool air down, where you need it.”
Portable fans are an excellent alternative for those without ceiling fans. They’re affordable and readily available at most home goods stores. When leaving a room, remember to turn off all fans to conserve energy.
Additionally, you can use box fans in windows to help exchange air. Placing them in windows facing away from the wind can draw out hot air, while fans in windows facing the wind can bring in cooler air, promoting cross-ventilation and overall cooler indoor temperatures.
3. Maintain HVAC Systems
Regular maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems is crucial for energy efficiency. A well-maintained system operates more efficiently, using less energy to cool the home.
One simple yet often overlooked task you can do to save energy is changing the air filter. Dirty filters force the HVAC system to work harder, consuming more energy and circulating allergens and dust throughout the home. We recommend changing your air filters at least every three months, making the start of summer an ideal time for this task.
Scheduling an annual HVAC system check-up with a professional technician can also ensure that your system is in peak condition. Technicians can identify and address issues that could impede performance, such as refrigerant leaks, ductwork problems, or thermostat malfunctions.
4. Harness Natural Cooling Methods
Taking advantage of natural cooling methods can significantly reduce your reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning. Here are some strategies:
- Use curtains or blinds to block out sunlight during the hottest parts of the day (typically between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.), especially on south-facing windows.
- Open windows at night when temperatures drop to let in cool air, then close them in the morning to trap the cooler air inside.
- Plant trees or install awnings to provide natural shade for your home.
- Utilize reflective window films that reduce heat gain by reflecting sunlight away from your windows.
Additionally, you can use evaporative coolers, which use water to cool outdoor air and then circulate it indoors. These systems are typically more energy-efficient than traditional HVAC systems in dry climates.
5. Optimize Appliance Usage
How and when you use appliances has a significant impact on energy consumption and indoor temperatures. Follow these tips:
- Use the microwave instead of the oven when possible. Microwaves use about one-third the energy of a conventional oven and generate less heat.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full to maximize efficiency.
- Use cold water for laundry whenever possible to save on water heating costs.
- Consider air-drying clothes outside to save energy and avoid heating up the house with the dryer.
- Schedule heavy appliance usage for early morning or late evening hours when temperatures are cooler, reducing the load on your cooling system.
Additionally, be mindful of your refrigerator’s settings and maintenance. Keeping your refrigerator and freezer set to the recommended temperatures can improve efficiency. Regularly cleaning coils and checking door seals can also prevent energy waste.
6. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Lighting
Switching to LED bulbs can make a noticeable difference in energy consumption and indoor temperatures. Unlike incandescent bulbs that convert 90% of their energy into heat, LED bulbs operate at a lower wattage and produce significantly less heat.
LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last 50 times longer than traditional bulbs, resulting in substantial energy savings over time. When replacing bulbs throughout your home, you can use fixtures with dimmer switches to give you greater control over lighting levels and further conserve energy.
7. Seal Air Leaks
Prevent warm air from entering your home so it’s easier to maintain a cool interior and reduce energy waste. Inspect windows and doors for small openings and seal them with caulk or weatherstripping. This simple step can lead to noticeable improvements in energy efficiency and indoor comfort.
Adding insulation to attics, walls, and floors can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Proper insulation reduces heat transfer, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, ultimately lowering your energy bills year-round.
8. Adjust Water Heater Temperature
Water heating accounts for a significant portion of household energy consumption. Lowering your water heater temperature to the warm setting (120°F) can result in meaningful energy savings without sacrificing comfort.
Additionally, you can insulate your water heater and hot water pipes to minimize heat loss. This allows your water heater to operate more efficiently and maintains hot water temperatures for longer periods.
9. Maintain Outdoor Spaces
Proper maintenance of outdoor spaces can indirectly contribute to energy savings. John Bodrozic, co-founder of HomeZada, a home management service, advises, “Shrubs need airflow and if they are covered, your units will run harder increasing your energy bills.” Regularly trimming shrubs and vegetation around outdoor HVAC units helps them operate efficiently.
You can also xeriscape your yard with drought-resistant plants that require less water and maintenance. This not only conserves water but also reduces the workload on HVAC systems by decreasing the amount of surrounding vegetation and heat retained by lush, dense greenery.
10. Consider Smart Home Technologies
Investing in smart home technologies can lead to more efficient energy use. Smart thermostats, for example, can learn household routines and automatically adjust temperatures for the best possible comfort and efficiency.
Caesar Sanchez, merchandise director at Orchard Supply Hardware, notes, “Nest thermostats, including the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Nest E, learn your habits and will automatically program itself to save energy. Nest thermostats have features like Auto-Away, where the thermostat will turn itself down when you’re away to avoid heating or cooling an empty home, and Nest Leaf, where you’ll see a leaf on the thermostat if you choose a temperature which saves energy.”
Additionally, smart plugs and power strips enable you to control and schedule the use of various appliances and gadgets, preventing unnecessary energy consumption when devices are not in use.
