Ways to Save Energy in the Spring and Summer

Posted April 7th, 2008 by NFAN
in

Even though you might still be shaking off the last chills of winter, spring may turn into a stifling summer before you know it. Be aware of your cooling costs when the seasons change and take advantage of nice outdoor temperatures. No matter where you live, you should not have the heat cranking one day only to switch the air conditioning on the next. Reevaluate your thermostat settings and try to maintain one temperature setting throughout the day and night. You can also use these next few months to take full advantage of the spring weather and the much-welcomed dip on your energy bill.

Here are a few tips to prepare for the changing weather:

  • Do not underestimate the power of fans, especially ceiling fans and oscillating fans, that help circulate the air but use much less energy than AC.
  • Block out the sun with blinds, shades and thick curtains.
  • Use white curtains to reflect the sun away from the house.
  • Close the curtains before you leave for work in the morning to block out the afternoon sun that warms certain rooms in your home while you’re away.
  • Use cooler colors and fabrics in the summer. Pull out the light blue pillows or blanket, or paint the sunroom a cool sea green. Put away your flannel sheets and the dark wool blankets. Cooler colors and fabrics can make you feel cooler and you may be pleasantly surprised when you actually notice a difference.

When it’s time for the AC:

  • Increase the temperature on your AC thermostat when you are out and when you are sleeping.
  • Use a ceiling fan and the AC simultaneously and try turning the AC up several degrees. For every degree you raise your home thermostat, you will cut two percent off your cooling costs.
  • Clean your AC filters every month and replace them when needed– effective filters are a small price to pay for cool air on a hot day. Regular household dust clogs up filters quickly, especially if you’re a pet owner, and causes the AC unit to overwork (costing you unnecessary money in higher energy bills).
  • Avoid putting electronics and lamps near your thermostat; it can sense heat through appliances and will sense that your home is warmer than it really is, causing the AC to work harder than necessary.
  • Shut off vents in unused rooms and closets (and then shut those doors) so you don’t spend money cooling or heating rooms you’re not occupying.
  • Move furniture that blocks air vents. If you can’t move it to a different place in the room, at least move it a few inches from the wall. 

More tips:

  • Caulk windows and doors to keep your home insulated.
  • Lower your hot water thermostat to 120 degrees.
  • Insulate your hot water heater to keep it from losing heat. 
  • Is your fridge working too hard keeping your food too cold? One electric company recommends setting your refrigerator temperature to 37 to 40 degrees and your freezer to 5 degrees. Don’t forget to make sure your fridge door seals tightly so it keeps cool air inside, where it belongs.
  • Use energy-saving compact florescent light bulbs; they may cost a few bucks more at first, but they will last much, much longer and give off much less heat.
  • Don’t ignore leaky faucets; fix them immediately.
  • Wash only full loads of dishes or clothes.
  • Research energy-saving appliances when old appliances break. You’ll make up the little extra you spend on the appliance with all the money you save on your future energy bills.

Simple conservation does add up to big savings, even though we can’t always see it. These and other tips can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy website at http://www.energy.gov/energysavingtips.htm.

Interested in energy saving on a national level? Check out this article: 7 Energy Efficiency Myths Debunked.