5 Ways to Reduce Your Home Energy Costs this Summer

Energy consumption occurs as much in the summer as it does in the winter. We can overlook the use of energy during the summer months when it comes to more laundry, charging devices, AC use and so on. By really paying attention to our habits, we can reduce energy consumption by up to 25%. Here are 5 ways to cut that energy bill down this summer.

Hot Wash Laundry
During the summer it is common to do more laundry. Being outdoors in the hot sun being the obvious culprit. Try and do laundry with cold water unless absolutely necessary. Even washing with warm water can reduce your washing consumption by half.

Cooking
Summer is a common time of year for entertaining. The kitchen is the main energy pit in any home. Some tips to conserve energy would be to cover pots and pans while cooking on the stove top, keep your appliances clean, adjust your fridge and freezer temps, and whenever possible, do your hot cooking outside. This will also reduce the heat buildup inside which in turn, will prevent your AC from kicking in.

Filters
Your HVAC system used air filters that trap debris and prevents it from spreading throughout your home. As the filter gets plugged over time, the ability to exchange airflow gets reduced. This causes your fan to run more to distribute cool air through your home - wasting energy. Ensure your filters are cleaned regularly to keep your blower running as efficiently as possible.

Water Usage
The hot sun typically requires the occasional cold shower. Think about taking shorter, cooler showers. Think about using rain water to irrigate your plants. When it is time to do dishes, ensure you are washing a full load in the sink or dishwasher. This will all save on water and electricity costs.

Thermostat
Programmable thermostats are great for conserving energy. Think about creating a schedule where your AC can run less while you are away or while you are sleeping. Also think about the thermostat on your hot water tank. Tanks are typically set at 140 degrees, but dropping it to 130 or even 120 may be an easy way to reduce energy consumption.

Call an Expert!
At 4 Seasons Heating, Cooling & Electrical we are experts in making recommendations that will save you energy. From the best energy efficient systems to installation skills and recommendations, we have the knowledge and expertise to get you the best bang for your energy dollar.

Call us anytime for a free in-home sales consultation or for emergency service.