Energy Saving Tips Revealed for Summer Electrical Use
Energy Saving Tips Revealed for Summer Electrical Use
One can’t do anything about the weather, but they can adjust energy use during extreme temperatures. When it’s hot outside, there is a desire to cool down. So, for starters, reduce activities that generate heat, such as burning open flames, using hair dryers, cooking on the stove, or baking in the oven.
These are some easy ways to keep cool and reduce energy use during warm weather.
Set the thermostat higher. When it’s hot outside, set the thermostat to the most comfortable setting. The higher the setting and the smaller the difference between the inside and outside temperatures, the lower the energy costs will be. A programmable or smart thermostat makes setting a schedule that works easy.
Run the dishwasher when it’s cooler. Choose an energy-saving cycle and air dry or overnight dry setting. Run only full loads during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning and late evening. Avoid the pre-rinse cycle. The rinse hold setting uses three to seven gallons of water.
Use LED lightbulbs. Replace standard bulbs with light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are more efficient than regular bulbs and give off the same amount of light.
Spin the ceiling fan counterclockwise. A ceiling fan will make the room feel cooler and raise the thermostat by as much as four degrees Fahrenheit. The counterclockwise direction combined with the blade pitch creates a downdraft.
Change air filters regularly. A clogged, dirty air filter makes an HVAC system work harder, which uses more energy. Dusty conditions or pet fur could require more frequent replacements. Change air filters once a month or at least every three months.
Get HVAC inspected. Have the HVAC system checked to maintain performance. An air conditioner’s filters, coils, and fins require regular maintenance to function effectively. Duke Energy offers qualified customers rebates to help offset the cost of replacing older units with energy-efficient ones. Use finditduke.com to find a certified contractor.
Grill outdoors. Cooking in the oven or stovetop heats up the kitchen. Grill outside to keep the heat outdoors. Cooking in the microwave instead of the oven can also save energy.
Seal leaks. Look for gaps around pipes and the foundation. Check to see if the caulking and weather stripping have deteriorated. Seal leaks around doors, windows, cracks and openings to keep hot air from entering your home. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks.
Close the blinds. Close blinds and curtains on sunny days. If there is a whole-house fan, use it to pull cool air into the home at night or in the early morning through open windows. Turn the fan off and shut the windows during the day.
Use the washer and dryer efficiently. Wash full loads of clothes in cold water. The detergent cleans the clothes, not the water temperature. Use the dryer during the cooler parts of the day. Clean the lint filter after every load, which will help clothes dry faster and save energy.
Unplug electronics like phone chargers and laptops when not using them. Leaving them plugged in wastes small amounts of energy that can add up. If going on vacation, save by unplugging appliances while away.
Reprinted from Whetstone Valley Electic Cooperative Connections; written by Michael Weinstein.
