When I think of summer, I’m reminded of summer vacations as a kid, enjoying the longer days of sunshine and all the fun activities the warmer months have to offer. Unfortunately, we’ve encountered some of the hottest summers on record within the last decade. The summer of 2022 is anticipated to be one of the hottest years across the globe.
As temperatures continue to rise, so do our electricity consumption and energy bills! To help combat our energy usage and ease your wallet, here are some helpful tips for reducing energy use this summer.
Maintain Your Air Conditioner
It’s no surprise that air conditioners are at the top of this list. With unbearable heat waves, keeping cool takes a lot of power. Make the most of your energy by increasing your home’s thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when nobody’s home.
Don’t forget to clean or replace your air filters regularly to avoid letting in dirt, dust or allergens. According to the Department of Energy, clogged or dirty filters “reduce the amount of airflow and significantly reduce a system’s efficiency,” raising an air conditioner’s energy consumption between 5 to 15%!
Utilize Fans and Ventilation
Fans typically use little energy to circulate air which can help you cool down. However, they don’t keep spaces cool, so be mindful and turn them off when they’re not in use.
Ventilating fans can also be helpful to remove in rooms with heat-generating appliances or activities like laundry rooms, bathrooms and kitchens. These fans should be vented to the outside, not your attic, to avoid retaining the heat in your home.
Insulate Your Home
Be sure to seal any cracks or openings around your doors and windows to keep the cool air in your home and the warm air out. If you have blinds, shades or curtains, keep the sun out of your home to stay nice and cool without overworking your air conditioner.
Use Your Appliances Strategically
Larger essential appliances like ovens, washers, dryers and dishwashers all use a lot of energy and can make your space feel warmer, making your air conditioner work even harder.
Some alternatives can be cooking outside: summer barbeques are a thing for a reason! Or you can use smaller appliances for cooking as well.
Opting for cold water to wash your clothes and dishes can also be a great option to lower your energy usage, along with hang-drying freshly laundered clothes instead of using your dryer altogether.
Lastly, if you’ve got devices connected to an outlet that are not in use, remember to unplug them. Smaller items may not use too much energy on their own, but all the devices plugged in can generate a bit of energy.
And of course, don’t forget to unplug from social media and emails. It won’t reduce your energy use, but there’s no better time than summer to go out and enjoy some time away from a screen!