This summer has been a whopper when it comes to heat waves, which means soaring energy bills to keep cool and survive the heat. Even with that being the case, some small, consistent habits can help save energy costs. Here are a few tips to get through the summer without spending your life savings on cooling. The good part is these can be used year-round for annual energy savings that can make a real difference. An interesting way to test your efforts is to document the energy-saving strategies you implement and then compare your energy use annually on a month-to-month basis based on the changes you make. Your utility bills usually have this comparison data available. Use a Programmable or Smart Thermostat - Adjusting your thermostat by just a few degrees when you're not home can lead to substantial savings over time. Smart thermostats can automatically optimize heating and cooling based on your habits. Also, avoid huge swings in cooling and heating. It costs more to have a drastic change in temperature. Seal Air Leaks and Add Insulation - Air leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork can drive up heating and cooling bills. Sealing gaps and ensuring proper insulation can reduce your energy costs by up to 15%, according to the Department of Energy. Using thermal curtains on windows (and even doors) during extreme heat or cold can also keep temps more consistent. Switch to LED Lighting - LED bulbs use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer. Replacing your home’s most-used lights can result in immediate savings. Also, as easy as it sounds, making an effort to turn off lights or electronics when they aren’t being used adds up little by little. Unplug Unneeded Electronics. “Phantom” energy use—electricity consumed by devices even when turned off—can add up. It’s also a good way to avoid fire hazards. Use Appliances Efficiently - Run dishwashers and laundry machines only with full loads, and air-dry when possible. Check to see if your energy company has a “time of use” program. Schedule an Energy Audit & Explore Rebates Many utility companies offer free or low-cost energy audits. These can help identify specific areas in your home where you can save the most. Before investing in energy-efficient upgrades, check for rebates or tax incentives offered by your state or local utility. Many programs provide financial assistance or direct discounts for improvements. Here is a guide to a DIY Home Energy Assessment from the U.S. Department of Energy that walks you through the steps above in more detail. | |
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Small Steps, Big Impact Implementing just a few of these tips can save hundreds of dollars a year—and equally as important, preserve energy. |
It's Hot: Energy Savings Tips That Save All Year
