Top 5 Energy Saving Tip for Summer to Beat the Heat
As the summer gets hotter, homeowners often find themselves facing higher energy bills due to the constant cooling your home. Summer cooling requires different strategies than energy savings tips you may use in winter. However, with a few energy saving tips for your home, it’s possible to stay cool while also saving on electricity costs.
Fortus Electric can help you put in place these energy saving tips at home with both your indoor and outdoor living spaces, you can create a more energy-efficient environment that is cooler and offers savings. In this blog post, we will explore the top 5 energy-saving tips to help you beat the summer heat while safely saving you money.
Efficient Cooling Systems
One of the primary sources of energy consumption during summer is air conditioning. Follow these home energy saving tips for air conditioners.
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Regular Maintenance: Schedule summer maintenance checks for your AC unit to ensure it operates at peak performance. Consistent maintenance should include an electrical check of all systems, checks for coolant leaks and safety reviews of all wiring.
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Thermostat Settings: Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature and consider using a programmable thermostat to adjust settings based on your schedule. We suggest programming the thermostat with consistent but fairly minor temperature changes.
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Air Filter Replacement: Change air filters regularly to get rid of dirty, clogged air filters. This will help maintain proper airflow and reduce strain on your air conditioning.
Natural Ventilation and Shading
Install and use natural ventilation and shading techniques. Good cross ventilation can significantly decrease the need for constant air-conditioning. Consider the following tips:
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Cross-Ventilation: Open windows that will allow for air to create a cross-breeze that cools your home naturally.
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Shading Solutions: Install blinds, curtains, or outdoor awnings on windows and doorways to block out direct sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures.
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Fans and Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans are a great option to help circulate air effectively and improve temperatures in your indoor and outdoor living spaces. A residential electrician can help you properly install a ceiling fan and add a programmable timer, with variable speeds. Ceiling fans with programmable switches can also save energy and reduce costs.
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Attic and Gable Fans: Create ventilation and move warm air out of your homes attics with a quality ceiling fan. A nice cross-ventilation will require less air-conditioning and will help keep your home cool and comfy. Fortus Electric can help you run electricity to your attic and hook up your attic fan.
Energy-Efficient Lighting and Appliances
Switching to energy-efficient lighting and appliances can lead to significant energy savings. Here’s how you can make your home more energy-efficient:
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LED Bulbs: Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs that consume less energy and emit less heat. Fortus Electric can help you install energy-efficient lighting to make sure your home is maximizing electricity usage.
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Energy Star Appliances: Invest in Energy Star-rated appliances that are designed to operate efficiently and reduce electricity usage.
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Unplug Electronics: Turn off and unplug electronics when not in use to prevent standby power consumption.
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Turn Off The Lights: Be conscious about turning off lights and appliances when not is use. Lights and other appliances use electricity and heat-up, requiring additional air-conditioning.
Insulation and Sealing
Good insulation and sealing of cracks in doors, windows and other outdoor openings play a critical role in maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature without overworking your air conditioning unit. Consider the following energy savings tips at home:
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Insulation Upgrades: Improve the quality in your attic, walls, and floors to prevent heat transfer and keep your home cooler. Be sure to determine the proper thickness and amount of insulation you need. Using the correct level of insulation will help keep your home cool.
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Seal Air Leaks: Seal gaps around windows, doors, and ductwork to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering.
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Window Treatments: Use insulated curtains or window films to reduce heat gain and improve energy efficiency. Use awnings and shades to keep the sun from heating up your home.
Water Conservation and Cooling Strategies
Incorporating water conservation practices and strategic cooling strategies can help you beat the summer heat while saving energy. Here are some suggestions:
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Use Fans Wisely: Opt for drought-resistant plants and implement drip irrigation systems to minimize water usage for landscaping. Strategically place trees, shrubbery and other plants to maximize shading around windows and home entrances.
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Water-Efficient Landscaping: Seal gaps around windows, doors, and ductwork to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering.
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Pool Pump Efficiency: Run your pool pump during off-peak hours and consider upgrading to a variable-speed pump for energy savings.
Safety First: Electrical Precautions
While implementing energy-saving measures, it’s essential to prioritize safety to prevent electrical hazards. Here are some safety suggestions to keep in mind:
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Professional Inspections: Schedule regular electrical inspections to identify and address potential safety issues.
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Outdoor Electricals: Ensure outdoor outlets and fixtures are weatherproof and protected from water exposure to prevent shocks or short circuits.
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Extension Cord Usage: Avoid overloading extension cords and outlets with multiple devices to reduce the risk of electrical fires.
Conclusion
By combining these energy-saving tips with safety precautions, homeowners can create a more efficient and secure living environment during the summer months. Implementing these strategies not only reduces energy consumption and utility costs but also contributes to a sustainable lifestyle that benefits both your wallet and the environment. Stay cool, stay safe, and enjoy a comfortable summer season with these practical energy-saving solutions.