As the temperatures rise, it’s inevitable to feel drained — not just by the heat but also by the electricity bill. The good thing is that you can save a lot of money this summer without sweating more than necessary! Here’s a list of easy ways to save energy at home. These energy-saving tips will help you to make your home more energy-efficient.
1. Maintain your cooling systems
You can save a lot of money by maintaining your cooling systems. Caring for your cooling system is more important than ever this season. Regular maintenance can help ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently all summer long. An excellent way to do this is to keep your fans clean. If you have humidifiers, they should be cleaned every three months to ensure proper operation. Also, clean, check, and repair your air conditioner regularly.
Check the filters of your AC unit and replace them if they are dirty. Also, clean the coils of your AC unit with a soft brush. This will ensure that dust does not accumulate on them and reduce their efficiency. Finally, check your compressor’s pressure switch and gauge to ensure that they are working properly. If they are not, then get them repaired or replaced immediately. This will ensure that they work efficiently and don’t strain your electricity bill.
2. Use the fan with the air conditioner
Using your air conditioner is already one of the best ways to keep cool and save energy during summers. But did you know that using a ceiling fan simultaneously can actually lower your electricity bill? A ceiling fan can reduce your AC consumption significantly. So, remember to use the air conditioner with the ceiling fan or portable fans to circulate cool air in your room. This way, you’ll get the maximum cooling effect from your unit and lower electricity consumption at the same time.
3. Keep your thermostat above 72 degrees
If you prefer cooler temperatures at home, this may be hard to hear. But keeping your thermostat above 72 degrees won’t only help you save money on your electricity bill but also prevent overheating in your home. This is especially important if you have air conditioning, as air conditioners use a lot of energy! Plus, with less heat in your house, there will be less humidity, leading to fewer allergens and mold growth.
You can also opt for a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on when you’re away or asleep. This means that if you’re out during peak hours when electricity rates are high (such as after work), your home will be at an optimal temperature when you get back home — without having to pay extra for it!
4. Check for insulation leaks
Insulation helps keep heat inside your home in cold weather and outside in hot weather. However, if your house does not have enough insulation or if there are any holes in the wall or roof, it can cause a lot of problems like high electricity bills, poor air quality, and even health issues. Therefore, you should check for insulation leaks and get them fixed. This will help keep the warmth inside your home so that you don’t have to pay extra for air conditioning during summers!
5. Air dry your clothes
Air drying clothes is a great way to save energy. It also helps to keep your clothes looking their best and last longer, as the heat from an electric dryer can shrink and fade them. Use a clothesline or drying rack instead of using an electric dryer for your laundry. This will allow you to save on your electricity bill.
6. Limit your hot water usage
Skip the hot water while running the dishwasher, during showers, and when washing clothes as the water heater uses a lot of energy. Limit your showers to 5 minutes or less, and try to wash only full loads of laundry (or consider purchasing a smaller-capacity washer). Use cold water when possible, or install an insulating blanket to reduce heat loss while waiting for hot water to arrive in faucets and shower heads. You will be shocked to see the amount of energy your water heater consumes.
7. Skip the oven; use a microwave/slow cooker
An oven gives out unnecessary heat in your home and makes it hotter than it already is. Instead of using an oven, use a microwave or slow cooker instead. Microwaves are more efficient than conventional ovens and use less energy. Slow cookers do not require any preheating time and cook food slowly over time, which allows them to emit less heat into your kitchen as well as your house overall. It’s one of the ways to save energy at home.
8. Close blinds in the daytime
This trick is amongst the most effortless ways to save energy at home. During summer days, open windows are not only a source of fresh air but also let rays from UV light enter our homes, contributing to indoor heating issues. Curtains and blinds help block these rays while allowing through light and keeping rooms cool enough.
9. Opt for Energy Star® products
Energy Star® is a government-backed program. They release lists of products that meet their rigorous energy efficiency standards each year. So if you’re buying appliances or electronics, look for the Energy Star label on the box or manual. You’ll be helping the environment while saving yourself some money on your utility bills!
10. Unplug appliances when not in use
Turning off appliances that aren’t being used is a simple way to save energy. For example, did you know that leaving a TV or DVD player on standby mode uses about the same amount of electricity as it does when it’s actually turned on? This is because they’re still drawing power from the socket even though they’re not in use. So unplug these appliances and turn them off completely when you’re done with them — especially if you’re going out for the day or going to bed!
You no longer need to choose between your electricity bill and a good environment. Instead, you can do something in this hot summer by saving energy(regardless of the month). Put these ways to save energy at home into practice, and you’ll never sweat at your electricity bills again.
For more such tips on sustainability, do check the Good Guides section on our website.
