10 Simple Energy Saving Tips for Summer

The warm (or hot) months of summer are ideal for spending time outdoors with your family.  But, the warm air will also mean your AC unit is working overtime to keep your home cool. And this can really jack up your monthly energy bill if you're not careful, especially during heat waves that much of the country is experiencing.

Fortunately, there are some tips you can follow to help reduce your energy usage. 

  1. Keep the Sun Out
    Use drapes, blinds, shades and awnings to block out the sun from heating your house.
  1. Consider a Smart Thermostat Upgrade
    With the tap of your smartphone, you can control the latest thermostats from anywhere. This makes it easy to cool things down before you get home.
  1. Keep Your Vents Clear
    Your AC unit can't work effectively if your furniture or rugs are blocking the vents. Be sure you check all the vents in your home and ensure they're free of dust, they're open and they're directing air toward the center of your room.
  1. Replace the Air Filter
    One of the simplest and most efficient things you can do is replace the air filter in your AC. This will help it run more efficiently and smoothly. Dirty, clogged filters block regular airflow and decrease your AC's ability of absorbing heat.
  1. Be Wise With Your Thermostat Use
    In the summer, set your thermostat as high as you can comfortably. Preferably, this would be 78 degrees F or higher. For every degree of more cooling, it will increase how much energy you use.
  1. Replace an Inefficient AC Unit
    Replacing an old AC unit with a new, energy-efficient model will probably be the best thing you can do to save on energy costs.
  1. Replace Any Drafty, Old Windows
    If your windows need replacing, Energy Star windows will help make your home more energy-efficient and comfortable all year-round.
  1. Avoid Peak Energy Times
    If you're looking to save some money on your monthly energy bills, don't run your appliances during peak hours. This is between 4 PM and 6 PM or whenever there's an electricity emergency declared.
  1. Use Pedestal and Ceiling Fans
    Fans enable you to raise the thermostat up several degrees without any decrease in comfort. Just ensure the ceiling fans are turning counterclockwise during the summer.
  1. Install and Use a Whole House Fan
     A whole house fan could actually replace your AC unit on some days. Whole house fans draw in the cool outdoor air through your open windows and force the hot air out through the vents in your attic. A whole house fan helps you save on energy consumption and costs too because it reduces your need for AC.

Saving energy isn't just something you do in the summer either. Some of these tips could help you save money all year long. You can save money on your energy bills and improve efficiency all year round by creating smart energy habits.