Tips For Creating A Summer Energy Savings Plan To Implement In Your Home
When summer temperatures climb higher we tend to want to set our air conditioner temperatures lower so we will stay cool and comfortable. Unfortunately, if we do that our utility bills rise with our energy consumption. There are very effective ways to use your air conditioning system to stay cool while being fiscally and environmentally responsible as well. Now is the time to learn about all the many tips and ideas that are available to help homeowners build a successful and manageable Summer Energy Savings Plan that works for their particular home and lifestyle.
For homeowners with a house whose appliances and HVAC system are approaching replacement age, there are tips for saving energy that will not cost anything but can save some money on power bills. If replacement of any appliance is possible, though, it is important to remember to look for the ENERGY STAR® tag, label or license on new appliances. These units have an energy efficiency far superior to other appliances. Simple ways to conserve energy include only running the dishwasher, dryer and washing machine with full loads; washing clothes in cold water; line drying clothes instead; running the dishwasher’s wash cycle but turning it off before the dry cycle and letting the dishes air dry; and keeping the oven door closed when cooking so a great deal of the accumulated heat does not get wasted.
Simple household changes can make a big difference. Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of incandescent ones. Open all the interior doors so air flow is not inhibited but at the same time close air vents in rooms you do not use. Keep the return air vent unblocked. Use ceiling fans when it is not hot enough for your A/C unit. One the hottest days, use the fans with your A/C to supplement it. Keep blinds and drapes closed on windows that allow direct sunlight inside. Keep doors and windows closed when air conditioning is running.
Older homes can benefit from some newer accessories. Install low-flow aerating shower heads and faucets. Insulate the water pipes coming from your water heater. Add additional R-30 rated insulation in your attic. Repair leaky faucets, because one drip per second adds up to around 2,300 gallons each year. Install a programmable thermostat on your HVAC system. Replace the five light fixtures you turn on the most with new ENERGY STAR® fixtures. Hook all electronics (television, computers, stereo) to power strips and turn power strips off when the electronics are not in use.
Implementing these changes will bring great benefits in lower utility bills and reduced energy consumption. Another tremendous way to save money is to learn all the ways installing a new and energy efficient HVAC system will promote HVAC Energy Savings Home Energy Savings this summer.