It’s summertime again and these easy and inexpensive tips may help you save both energy and money. You can keep your cool by becoming more energy efficient when the temps begin to rise.
Open your windows and turn off the air conditioner after sunset. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and drapes or blinds to maximize the cool air. Install window coverings designed to prevent heat gain through the windows.
A ceiling fan used in conjunction with air conditioning will allow you to turn up the thermostat about four degrees with no change in comfort level. Be sure to turn off the ceiling fan when you leave the room. Fans create a wind chill effect, which cools people without using energy to cool the room. Use ventilation fans in the bathroom during showers or baths to remove heat and humidity, as well as laundry rooms and kitchens when in use. For optimal efficiency, bathroom and kitchen fans should be vented to the outside and not up into the attic.
Although you may be inclined to turn down your thermostat rather drastically during the summer, try to set it as high as comfortably possible, especially when you are not home. A programmable thermostat can efficiently help keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and cooler only when you are home, without you having to remember to change it each day. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill will be.
Don’t heat your house with appliances and lights. On hot days, use the oven as little as possible, or opt to grill outside. Consider installing efficient, cooler lighting. 85% to 90% of the electricity consumed by incandescent lights is actually turned into heat, while only 10% to 15% results in light. Take advantage of daylight, while avoiding direct sunlight. Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes. Air drying both will help minimize extra heat. Take short showers instead of baths. Heating water consumes about 18% of the energy used in a typical home. Turn off computers and televisions when not in use. Idle appliances left on create unnecessary heat. Seal cracks and openings which allow heat to leak into your home, including adding caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows.
HOW CAN I MAKE MY HOME AND APPLIANCES MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT?
AEP Energy Reward StoreSM is our one-stop online marketplace filled with a variety of energy-saving and connected-home products for your home available exclusively for our valued customers. It is a simple and convenient way for you to shop for items to make your home more energy efficient while saving you time and money.
You can earn Reward Dollars to use in Reward Store by enrolling on an AEP Energy price plan. One month after your enrollment date, you will start earning Reward Dollars to use towards your purchases in Reward Store.
Another great resource is Energy Star, a US Environmental Protection Agency program that helps save money and protect the environment through energy efficiency. All Energy Star products are independently certified to guarantee energy efficiency.
Not only does Energy Star certify energy efficient products, they offer a variety of energy related assistance with finding tax credits, strategies for buildings and plans, and seasonal help for your home.
This summer, it IS possible to be comfortable and still have control of your energy spend.
Sources:
https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips
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