Summer’s in full swing, and that means staying cool is a top priority. But at what cost? If you’re trying to keep costs as low as the temperature, check out these quick and easy energy-saving tips.
1. Check your AC.
When was the last time you had your cooling equipment checked out by an HVAC professional? For maximum energy savings, you’re encouraged to schedule regular maintenance for your cooling equipment at least once a year. If you’re interested in exploring energy-saving activities on your own, check out these resources from the U.S. Energy Department.
How much does an AC maintenance estimate cost at Capital Heat? Use our easy online estimator tool to get an estimate today!
2. Consider using LED light bulbs.
LED light bulbs are proven to use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and CFL light bulbs—but does that mean LED lighting is the best option? According to Consumer Reports, there are several pros and cons of LEDs:
LED Advantages
- Use less electricity while providing the same brightness of incandescents
- Use slightly less energy than CFLs
- Brighten instantly
- Lifespan unaffected by frequently turning them on and off
- Some dim as low as incandescents do
- Most claimed to last 20,000 to 50,000 hours—or between 18 and 46 years—when used three hours a day
From The Family Handyman, here’s how to choose the right light bulbs for your home.
3. Keep your thermostat clear.
If your lamp or TV is positioned near your thermostat, you might want to consider relocating it. That’s because your thermostat could be absorbing heat from those appliances, which can cause your air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
According to these spring and summer energy-saving tips from the U.S. Energy Department, here are some fast facts about operating your thermostat efficiently:
- Use humidity control options if available
- Keep your house warmer when you’re away
- Lower the thermostat when you return home
- Explore a programmable thermostat that offers automatic setting controls
4. Prevent air leaks.
When we talk about air leaks, we’re talking about cool air escaping and warm air entering your home. To insulate and air seal your home, consider these energy-saving recommendations from energy.gov:
- Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home
- Learn more about air sealing new and existing homes
- Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal air leaks around doors and windows
- Find how to select and apply the appropriate caulk
- Learn how to select and apply weatherstripping
- Find out other ways to improve the energy efficiency of your windows
5. Unplug what you’re not using.
You turn off the water faucet when you’re not using it, right? The same line of thinking can be applied to electricity. According to an article by USA Today, here’s a quick guide to unplugging devices when you leave the house.
- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends unplugging electrical devices when you are not using them, such as your desktop computer, monitor, laptop, printer, scanner, and phone chargers
- Because unplugging every unused appliance is not always practical, avoid mangling or twisting cords to your appliances, and do not plug them into faulty sockets
- For low-load devices, use a power strip that has a simple off switch
- But never use a power strip for high-load appliances—including toasters!
Call Capital Heat today!
Need assistance with your heating and cooling needs—we’re here for you! Schedule a free estimate or call us at 716.683.7336 today!
