Summer is a time for vacations, swimming pools, and barbeques. However, if there is one thing everyone hates about summer, it’s their electric bill. Most homes are not getting the most bang for their buck when it comes to efficiency. It’s estimated that almost 35% of residential energy in the US is wasted. We’ve compiled some helpful tips that lower your energy costs, leaving you more money in your wallet to enjoy summer!
Small Changes; Big Rewards
Let’s start with the small stuff. Lighting is about 12% of the average home energy use. Making the switch to CFL and LED bulbs in just 5 of the most used lamps or lights in your home can save you more than $75 annually! The more lights you convert, the more you save! Given how relatively inexpensive light bulbs are and how easy they are to replace, this is one of the easiest things you can do to cut your energy bills significantly. LED bulbs also last considerably longer, on average only needing to be replaced every 20 years, this is a change that saves you money for years to come.
We all love the sunshine that comes along with summer. However, direct sunlight in your home means heat in your home, which means higher cooling costs. Use shades and curtains to block out the sun, especially while you’re at work.
Upgrade to Energy Efficient Appliances
The next place to save is with energy efficient appliances. Other than your air conditioner, some of the largest energy users in your home are your washer and dryer (13% of average home energy use), your fridge (4%), your stove (4%), and your dishwasher (2%). Generally, the older these appliances are, the less efficient they are. Make a plan to eventually switch these out for Energy Star-rated systems that will start saving you money and cutting down on your energy bills.
Use Your Appliances Strategically
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating can account for 14 to 25 percent of your total energy use. Washing your clothes in cold water will save money. Additionally, turning your heater down to the warm setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit can save you a few bucks every month.
If you have an off-peak electrical plan, meaning energy is discounted during off-peak hours, take advantage by doing laundry or dishes at night.
Avoid the stove and oven. Grilling, slow cookers, or electric pressure cookers are good solutions that not only use less energy thereby saving you money, they also don’t heat up the house which saves A/C costs.
Cut Your Air Conditioning Costs
Nearly half (47%) of all the energy used in the average home goes into powering either the air conditioner (or the furnace in the winter). By saving energy here, you’ll really be putting yourself and your home on the path to lower utility bills.
Let’s start with the air conditioner itself. Proper maintenance and changing your air filters every three to six months will have a big impact. No matter how new or old your system is, it’s a good idea to call your local HVAC pros and get a seasonal tune-up in the spring. This can maximize the energy-efficiency of your current system. If you do have a very old air conditioner that has made your summer electric costs a nightmare in the past, consider upgrading to a new system. The lower monthly bills over the lifetime of the system, paired with potential rebates from your utility company, may offset the initial investment.
Cooling the air is only half the battle. The other half is keeping that conditioned air in your home. For instance, a lot of conditioned air gets lost traveling through leaky air ducts, or through insufficient attic insulation. To know for sure, you may want to enlist the help of a professional to perform an energy audit. This will help you know exactly where your problem areas are and how to fix them. If you’d like to perform a test yourself, keep reading for some helpful tips and tricks.
Tips & Tricks for a DIY Energy Audit
- Look for visible tears or drafts near windows. You can also try passing an incense stick around the edges of the window to see if smoke wavers or is blown into the room.
- Check the ductwork for holes and cracks, mark them with a grease pencil so they’re easy to find and fix. You can also use incense to expose problem areas in ductwork. If there are leaks, the smoke will swirl differently.
- To test the efficiency of your duct system, open a door or window 1-2 inches and turn your air conditioner blower to high. If you notice a significant amount of air coming in from outside, it’s a good indicator of air pressure loss. This means you have significant leaks somewhere.
- Shut your door or window on a dollar bill. If you can easily pull the bill out without dragging, you are losing energy.
Seal Your Home
Preventing air leaks is one of the best ways to keep hot air out and cool air in. Simple caulking and weather-stripping can save up to 30% on cooling and heating costs. Sealing your home against those leaks is easy, effective, and relatively inexpensive. Use caulk to seal cracks and openings between stationary objects like door and window frames. Apply weather stripping around things that move, such as window sashes and the door itself. Be sure to check your attic and basement for air leaks, as these floors have large gaps in insulation or missing weather stripping. Seal the small cracks with foam or caulk. For larger holes, you may need to install or replace insulation. For electrical repairs and electrical installation services, W3 Electric can assist in ensuring your home is energy efficient.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and cost-effective summer. For more information on how to optimize your home’s energy efficiency, or for commercial electrician services, contact W3 Electric today.
