Selling a Home?
Summer/Fall Energy Savings Tips
By Kat Apf
Most of us think about saving energy during the winter months when we are heating our homes but in reality, there are quite a few things you can do to save yourself money in the summer and fall, too. And the best news is, it's not really that hard to do!
Did you know that you can save when you set your thermostat above 72 degrees? For every degree above 72 you can save between 1 and 3 percent on your bill. It's recommended to keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you're home and 85 degrees when you're not. But if you have animals, you might want to go with 80 degrees when you're not there.
Whenever possible keep your fridge full. If you have a packed fridge when you open the door it takes longer for it to warm up. Same for your freezer. Don't think you have to pack your fridge with food, either. You can partially fill empty milk containers with water which will help keep the fridge cool and will come in handy for a hurricane-induced power outage.
While it might seem you're using less water by washing your dishes by hand, you aren't. It's more efficient and energy friendly to use the dishwasher but don't use the heated drying option.
According to Valerie Doyle in an article in Yes! Magazine, appliances that are in "stand-by" mode are the reason for up to 35 percent of energy loss in our homes. What this means is answering machines, cable boxes, VCRs, coffee makers, microwaves and cell phone charges when left plugged in, are still draining energy and costing us every month. So if it can be unplugged it should be!
Replacing your air conditioner filters is another way to save some money in the summer. Dirty filters can cause the system to work hard and longer and cost you more, so replace your filters every month.
We tend to think of caulking and weather-stripping during the winter months but just as we want ot keep the heat in during the winter, we want to keep the cool in during the summer so make sure you check your windows and doors for "leaks" and fix them. Another energy draining culprit is behind outlet covers. Install foam gaskets behind them.
If you have a whole house fan, use it in the evening and the morning when temperatures outside are less than 80 degrees. You can save up to 5 percent using your whole house fan. If you don't have one, think about having one installed.
Think about awnings and patio covers if you don't already have them. Shading your windows and sliding doors can help save between 5 and 10 percent on your energy costs.