10 Energy Saving Tips for Summer

When the sun gets hotter and the days grow longer, everyone wants to stay cool in their homes. But keeping homes comfortable during the scorching summer doesn’t mean that you have to pay huge energy bills. There are several smart ways to save energy and money while staying cool at home. You can be kind to the environment with passive cooling techniques and energy-efficient appliances. 

During summer, the air conditioner and fans work around the clock, raising the monthly bill. But what if someone tells you you can stay cool while saving money? The tips for saving your energy bills from skyrocketing will help you reduce your carbon footprint, stay comfortably at home, and save a lot during energy consumption in summer.

This blog discusses the savvy tips and techniques for energy saving and how they can be implemented to save money. Enjoy a cool and comfortable summer without sweating over the expenses.

Tips to Save Energy and Money

Saving energy and money during summer is not only good for your pocket but also for the environment. Here is a list of some practical tips to help you stay cool and reduce your energy bills:

1. Check Your Air Conditioning

Checking your air conditioning system is very important for energy saving. You must ensure it is well-maintained with regular cleaning or replacing air filters. You can also schedule professional maintenance to keep the coils and fans clean. Clearing a clogged A/C filter can help you save 5-15% energy use.

You can inspect your A/C unit for any visible leaks, loose connections, or damaged insulation on refrigerant lines. A well-maintained air conditioner will not only cool your home but will consume less energy, lowering your energy bills and environmental impact.

2. Choose LED Light Bulbs

Opting for LED light bulbs is a smart choice for saving energy. Unlike conventional incandescent bulbs, LEDs efficiently convert more energy into light rather than heat. They emit very little heat and help maintain a cooler indoor environment during the hot weather. 

By choosing LED bulbs, you cut down your electricity costs and contribute to less carbon footprint. Their durability makes them a sustainable choice. So, switching to LEDs is an impactful step towards energy and cost saving.

3. Adjust Your Thermostat 

Adjusting your thermostat is an important strategy for energy-saving. During the hot months of the year, you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher, substantially saving energy. According to a study, each degree you raise in a thermostat after 75⁰F could help you save around 10% in energy usage.

Consider investing in a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperatures based on your routine. This ensures that your home remains comfortably cool when you are there and reduces cooling when you are not at home. This optimizes your use of energy.

4. Unplug Devices

Unplugging the devices when not in use is an effective way of energy saving and reducing your electricity bills. Several appliances consume energy even when you turn it off or put it on standby mode. By unplugging these devices, you can completely cut off their power source, preventing them from drawing unnecessary electricity.

Common devices like chargers, TVs, gaming consoles, and kitchen appliances must be unplugged when not in use. These devices consume very little energy individually, but the cumulative effect can be significant over time. You can use power strips with on/off switches for multiple devices to make this practice convenient. This way, you can easily disconnect several devices in a single go.

5. Use Fans With A/C

Using fans in conjunction with AC is an effective strategy for saving energy in summer. When you run a ceiling or portable fan while your AC is operational, you can raise the thermostat setting by a few degrees and still feel comfortably cool. 

Fans make you feel cool by evaporating sweat from the skin. It means you can set your thermostat at a slightly higher temperature and reduce the load on the cooling system. This will reduce the energy consumption as well as electricity bills. Just remember to turn off the fans while leaving the room.

6. Plants Can Provide Shade

Using plants to provide shade is a natural and environment-friendly way to save energy during summer. Strategically planting trees, shrubs, or vines near your home can significantly reduce the direct sunlight in your house. This natural shade keeps your home cooler and decreases the heat absorbed by walls and roofs. This reduces the need for excessive air conditioning.

Deciduous trees that shed their leaves during fall are more effective because they provide shade in summer and allow sunlight in winter. Moreover, this greenery improves air quality, making your outdoors beautiful and pleasant.

7. Lower Water Heating Costs

Lower water heating costs is a smart way to save on energy and electricity bills. Water heaters are among the most significant energy consumers in most houses. So, using them wisely can lead to pocket-friendly utility bills. Here are some ways to lower the usage of water heaters:

1. Temperature adjustment: Lower the thermostat on the water heater to around 120⁰F. This temperature is good enough for most household tasks without wasting energy.
2. Insulation: Insulate your hot water tank, as it retains heat and reduces the need for frequent water reheating.
3. Use cold water: Use cold water wherever possible, whether laundry or washing clothes. 
4. Upgrade to a high-efficiency water heater: Consider using a high-efficiency water heater model like a tankless or a heat pump water heater. They consume less energy for water heating.

8. Close Doors & Vents

Closing doors and vents in unoccupied rooms is an effective energy-saving practice that significantly reduces electricity bills. When you close room doors, you prevent conditioned air from escaping, reducing the load on cooling systems. 

Similarly, closing vents in unused areas helps you maintain the desired temperature in the room. It optimizes the distribution of airflow, leading to energy and money saving. This practice, when done regularly, reduces unnecessary energy consumption.

9. Close Your Blinds

Closing the window covering is a simple way to save energy during summer. When sunlight enters your room through windows, it heats the walls and roofs. It causes the air conditioning system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. By closing blinds, curtains, or shades, you block the direct sunlight, reducing the solar heat in the living spaces.

This not only maintains a cooler indoors but also decreases the cooling systems’ load. Additionally, it prevents UV rays from fading the furniture and floor. To maximize the energy efficiency, try using light-colored curtains.

10.  Avoid the Oven

Avoiding the use of an oven during summer is a practical energy-saving tip. Ovens generate a lot of heat when in use, raising the kitchen’s temperature and surrounding areas. When your home is warm, your cooling system has to work harder, leading to increased energy consumption and higher electricity bills.

Instead, choose the cooking methods that produce less heat, like grilling outdoors, microwave, toaster oven, or slow cooker. This will keep the kitchen cooler and reduce the need for extra cooling.

Save on Your Energy Bills All Year Long

Energy saving is not just a summertime activity; many of the above summer energy efficiency tips will save you money all year. Creating smart energy habits will help you reduce waste, improve efficiency, and save on utility bills.