11 Energy-Saving Tips For The Summer
Summertime can take a huge toll on your wallet, and not just because you go on vacation. Electrical rates typically run higher from June through September, so to save money, you should do your best to cut costs. That’s why we assembled a comprehensive list of summer energy-saving tips to help you maximize efficiency, and minimize the cost.
You can conserve energy this summer by closing your curtains during the day and unplugging unused devices as needed. Install a smart thermostat, and raise the temperature when you’re gone for four or more hours. It also helps to install solar shades and open windows at opposite ends of the house at night to naturally cool your home.
Running fans is cheaper than running the AC, so keep that in mind before touching the thermostat. Follow along as we highlight 11 summer energy-saving tips to help you and your wallet.
11 Ways To Conserve Energy In The Summer
1. Close Curtains And Blinds
Sunlight can significantly increase the temperature in your home by as much as 10-20 degrees Fahrenheit when the AC is off. When the AC is on, it will continually run to combat the increasing temperature, which will boost your energy bill. Closing curtains and blinds is one of the simplest summer energy-saving tips. You may deprive yourself of a nice view and bright light, but that’s worth it if you want to save money.
It’s also worth noting that you don’t have to do this every single day to cut your energy bill. For example, you can close your curtains and blinds before leaving for work to keep your house cool throughout the day. This will prevent your AC from fighting the natural temperature increase that the sun provides.
2. Seal Gaps And Cracks
Saving energy is hard when hot air comes in, and cool air escapes from gaps and cracks in doors and walls. This is all too common, as many home have large door gaps and cracks in exterior walls. Addressing door gaps is easy, as you can install cheap weatherstripping to keep cool air inside and hot air out. Weatherstripping will also help keep pests, such as ants, mosquitoes, flies, spiders, and rodents, out of your house.
Similarly, you can patch exterior wall and window cracks with caulk, but make sure it’s rated for outdoor use. That way, you can ensure it can withstand humidity and rain. It’s worth replacing your windows altogether if they’re thin and they are 15-30 years old. Modern windows are often thicker and let you start from scratch with fresh caulk and sealants.
3. Replace The Air Filter
The air filter is the most neglected part of the HVAC system, depending on who you ask. Many people fail to replace their air filters during the summer and their furnace filters during the winter. Air filters restrict airflow and strain air conditioners when they become too dirty. HVAC technicians will tell you that many common maintenance calls result in them replacing the air filter.
Doing it yourself will prevent needless professional maintenance calls and help protect your AC. You’re supposed to replace the air filter every 30 to 90 days, but that’s not always necessary if your home is clean. You should at least check it couple of months to see what shape it’s in. That way, you can replace it as needed to prevent unnecessary HVAC strain and save energy this summer.
4. Appliance Efficiency
Electric rates go up in the summer, which can make basic things, like doing the laundry, more expensive than normal. Using appliance wisely is a key part of saving energy. For example, you can wait to do your dishes until you can fill your dishwasher to maximize efficiency.
This is cheaper than cleaning several small batches of dishes throughout the week. You can apply the same principle with the laundry, which can also get expensive during the summer. Higher electric rates typically run from June 1st through the end of September, but these practices are useful year-round.
5. Use Your Grill
Grilling outdoors is part of the joy of summer for many people, and it’s also a good summer energy-saving tips. Rather than heating your kitchen using the oven, grill outdoors without triggering the AC run. You don’t have to worry about that when cooking outside. Not only will it help you save money, but it’s also a great way to enjoy your yard and garden.
6. Run Fans
While fans run on electricity, they use less power than your AC. Use that to your advantage and lower your thermostat while running fans at home. This applies to ceiling fans as well as plug-in tower and box models. Fans don’t lower the temperature, but they will keep you comfortable and improve the airflow. This is a great solution for people who live in poorly-ventilated homes, which are more prone to mold, mildew, and stuffiness.
7. Adjust Thermostat Based On Occupancy
Blasting the AC all day while you’re at work is a waste of money, and can strain your HVAC system. Nobody is there to enjoy the cool air, so there’s no reason to spend the extra money. That’s why you should always adjust your thermostat based on the time of day and the occupancy.
Ideally, you should raise the indoor temperature by at least 5 degrees if nobody is home all day. You shouldn’t raise the temperature that much if you have pets at home. Otherwise, you always raise the temperature before leaving for work and lower it as soon as you get home.
8. Create A Cross Breeze
Create a cross breeze to maximize airflow and stay comfortable at night. To do so, open windows at opposite ends of your home for naturally ventilatation. Set up a fan on or near each open window to help push air through the space. Place an inward-facing fan on the shaded side to move cool air into your home.
Place an outward-facing fan on the opposite open window to help push air out of your house. This can make a huge difference, and cross-ventilation is one of the most important summer energy-saving tips. Of course, it’s mostly effective at night, but you can also use this method on cloudy summer days.
9. Upgrade To A Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats help conserve energy, and also offer many modern conveniences. For example, you can remotely adjust the thermostat from work to ensure your home is cool when you return. That way, the AC won’t blast cool air all day until you’re about to get home, which can save a lot of money. Many smart thermostats also provide energy insights, which you can use to adjust your energy habits to save costs. Some smart thermostats even offer maintenance reminders, which takes a lot of guesswork out of heating, cooling and saving every.
10. Unplug Unused Electronics
“Vampire power” doesn’t refer to Edward Cullen’s ability to fly or glisten in the sunlight, at least not in the real world. Instead, it's about the electricity your devices and appliances consume something called “phantom load”, even when turned off.
That includes phone and laptop chargers, microwaves, toasters, TVs, computers, digital clocks, and coffee makers, among other devices. Each device may only cost a few cents per month in “vampire power” waste, but it add sup. That’s especially true today, when most people have so many devices.
11. Install Solar Shades
Solar shades don’t completely block sunlight and heat, but they can make a big difference on brutal summer days. These sun-dampening shades are typically made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or PVC-coated polyester. While they let some sunlight in, they minimize how much of it heats your windows and your home’s interior.
Many people prefer installing solar shades on the exterior of their windows to maximize the benefits. One downside of this is that it’s easy to see through them at night when your lights are on. However, you can close your curtains and blinds to maintain privacy.
Summing It Up
To save energy this summer, raise the thermostat by at least 5 degrees and close the curtains before leaving for the day. It also helps to run fans and create a cross breeze by opening windows at opposite ends of the house. Replace your air filter every 30-90 days, install a smart thermostat, and seal all door and wall gaps to keep cool air inside this summer.
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Nick Durante is a professional writer with a primary focus on home improvement. When he is not writing about home improvement or taking on projects around the house, he likes to read and create art. He is always looking towards the newest trends in home improvement.
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