Warm Weather Energy Saving Tips
The following tips can help you save money on energy costs during the warm weather.
1. Replace your old central air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model can reduce your cooling costs by an average of 20 percent. Your individual results will vary and we can help you estimate the savings you can expect.
2. If possible, keep your room air conditioner out of the sun. Room air conditioners work best when kept cool. Installing one in a north-facing wall is usually ideal.
3. If you have central air conditioning, keep your thermostat set at 78 degrees. You can also save approximately six percent off your cooling costs for each one degree above 78 degrees.
4. Consider installing a ceiling fan. During hot weather a ceiling fan will create a cool breeze and keep the air circulating in your home.
5. A dehumidifier can use a lot of energy so make sure you install a unit that is the correct size for your home.
6. What says summer better than an outdoor barbeque? Instead of using your oven or stove, which can generate additional heat, fire up the outdoor grill and leave the heat outside.
7. Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to save money on your electricity bill. If you have children in the house, this is also an important safety measure.
8. Install ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent light bulbs in your most-used fixtures and lamps. Fluorescent bulbs put out less heat, plus you’ll save $30 to $40 in energy costs over the life of each bulb.
9. Have your heating and cooling system cleaned and maintained on a regular basis to make sure it is operating at peak efficiency.
10. Postpone laundry and dishwashing until nighttime to avoid generating extra heat in your home. Also, consider taking advantage of the warmer air and dry some of your laundry outside.
11. If you have a pool, turn off your filter overnight when the pool is not in use.