How to Beat The Heat & Save Money This Summer

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Steven E / Monday April 24, 2023

How to Save Energy This Summer

As the temperatures rise during the summer months, so do higher energy bills. However, with a few simple tips and adjustments, it is possible to beat the heat and save money on your energy bill. In this article, we will explore six effective ways to save energy and keep your home cool without breaking the bank. From optimizing your air conditioning settings to using fans and natural ventilation, these strategies will help you stay cool, save money, and save energy all summer long.

Tip 1: Check Your Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is essential during the hot summer months, but it can also be a significant contributor to high energy bills. Checking your air conditioner unit and optimizing its settings can help you stay cool and save more money. The first step is to check your air filter and clean or replace it if necessary. A dirty filter can restrict airflow and cause the unit to work harder. Next, make sure your unit is properly sized for your home. An oversized or undersized system can result in inefficient cooling and higher energy bills.

You can also consider upgrading to a more efficient model or using a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature. Additionally, it’s important to set your thermostat to the highest temperature you find comfortable and avoid lowering it excessively. Lowering it can lead to increased energy consumption and higher bills.

Also, consider using an alternative cooling system such as ceiling fans or portable fans. Using these in conjunction with your AC unit helps circulate cool airflow and reduces reliance on the AC system. By checking your AC unit and following these tips, you can stay cool and save money on cooling costs during the summer season.

Tip 2: Plants can provide much-needed shade

Plants not only add beauty to your home, but they can also help provide much-needed shade during the summer months. Trees, bushes, and vines can be placed to block sunlight and reduce heat transfer. This can result in a cooler home and lower the amount of energy consumed. Trees are especially effective, as they provide ample shade and can also help to cool the air through a process known as transpiration.

When selecting plants for shade, it’s important to consider their size. You should also consider the growth rate and maintenance requirements. Choosing the right plants and strategically placing them around your home can help keep you cool and reduce your electricity bill. It also adds natural beauty to your surroundings.

Tip 3: Close Your Blinds

Close curtains and blinds for better protection against the sun and glare from sunlight throughout the day. Southern and Western facing walls are the brunt of direct sunlight. Both types should be covered with good curtains and shaded windows. The north windows provide relatively cool air and uniform sunlight. They also produce little glare and little unneeded heat gain. So open the shades on the door and window frames on that side for natural daylight in your house with less energy usage and heat.

Tip 4: Skip the dryer altogether

Using a clothes dryer can be a significant contributor to energy consumption and higher bills during the summer months. Plus, it heats up the house in the process! However, skipping the dryer altogether and using alternative drying methods can help save you money and stay cool.

One of the most popular methods is line drying. This involves hanging your clothes outside on a clothesline or drying rack and letting warm air dry the clothes. This method not only helps to reduce energy savings but also helps to preserve your clothing by reducing wear and tear.

Alternatively, you could use an indoor drying rack or clothesline during bad weather or in small apartments. Another option is to use a spin dryer. These use centrifugal force to remove excess water from your clothes. It also reduces the amount of time and energy needed for drying.

Tip 5: Get an Energy-Efficient Dehumidifier

During the hot summer months, high humidity levels can make your home feel even warmer and more uncomfortable. An efficient dehumidifier can help to remove excess moisture from the warm air. Removing excess moisture makes your home feel cooler and more comfortable. Dehumidifiers work by drawing in the humid air. Humid air passes over a cooling coil to condense the moisture. It then releases the drier air back into your home.

Energy-efficient dehumidifiers use advanced technologies such as humidistats and automatic shut-off features. This technology reduces energy consumption and saves you money. They also have a higher capacity and can remove more moisture from the air per kilowatt-hour than older models. When choosing a dehumidifier, consider the size of your home, and the humidity level. Also, keep in account the amount of moisture you need to remove.

It’s also important to choose a model with the ENERGY STAR certification. ENERGY STAR guarantees that it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. By using an efficient dehumidifier, you can reduce the amount of energy consumed. All while staying cool and comfortable and improving the air quality in your home.

Tip 6: Spend time outdoors

One of the most enjoyable and cost-effective ways to beat the summer heat is to spend time outdoors. Whether you’re lounging in the shade of a tree or taking a dip in the cool water at a nearby pool, spending time outside can help you avoid using your cooling system and lower your energy bill. You could also take advantage of cooler mornings and evenings to go for a walk, run or bike ride, and enjoy the natural breeze. Additionally, consider setting up a barbecue or picnic outside, instead of cooking indoors. Cooking outside helps avoid generating heat inside your home. Spending time outdoors not only helps you save money by cutting energy costs, it also allows you to enjoy the beautiful weather and build lifelong memories.

Stay Cool This Season

Beating the heat and keeping your energy bill low during the summer months is achievable. All it takes are a few simple adjustments to your daily routine. By following these easy summer energy-saving tips, you too can save energy while keeping a couple of extra dollars in your wallet.

By optimizing the use of natural ventilation and reducing heat you can cut energy costs and stay cool. Additionally, taking advantage of energy-saving programs and cooling equipment can also help you cut energy costs in the long run. So, whether you’re at home or outside, stay cool and enjoy the summer season.

For more additional tips and tricks, check out our blog by clicking here. If you have questions or would like to talk to us directly you can contact us on our website at AppliancePartsPros.com.