With this month’s record setting temperatures, you’ve no doubt been cranking the AC to ward off the intense heat, while washing and drying loads of towels and bathing suits. However, this means higher energy bills, and summer has only just started. How do you stay cool and save on utility costs? Luckily for you, we’ve gathered some tips on how to save on energy during the hottest time of the year.
Have Your AC Unit or Swamp Cooler Checked
A cooling system that is running efficiently will not only keep you cooler, but will save on energy costs as well. Give us a call, we service and repair all HVAC equipment, and have the necessary certifications, so you can rest assured your AC or swamp cooler runs as it should. We provide service in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and surrounding areas. Whether it’s a maintenance check, starting up, or a replacement part, call us at 970-773-1000; click here for more info on HVAC repairs and services.
Raise Your Thermostat
While it may sound counterintuitive, you’ll want to keep your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. Why? The lesser the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your energy costs will be. Ideally you’ll want to set the the thermostat at 78 degrees F. Keep the temperature lower when folks are at home, and when the house is unoccupied, keep the temperature higher than normal.
Utilize Voice Activated Climate Control
Smart home technology is becoming more and more accessible. One great way to save energy (and keep your home at exactly the comfort level you enjoy) is to utilize voice activated climate control. In the YouTube video we just linked to, you can see how you can simply tell Google that you want your home cooler. You can also instruct Google (or whatever system you’re using) to keep your home energy-efficient with climate control you set.
Use Fans
AC systems use a lot of energy to run, so if your AC is on all day, expect higher energy bills. To save on costs, use fans to create air circulation inside your residence. If you have a ceiling fan, make sure the blades are rotating counterclockwise, so cool air is pushed down. During the winter, you can switch back to having the blades rotate clockwise to create an updraft of warm air.
Air Dry Clothes
Skip the dryer altogether and air dry clothes outside to minimize energy use. Given how hot its been lately, clothes will dry in no time.
Use the Microwave to Cook Food
Using kitchen appliances can raise indoor temperatures by as much as 10 degrees. Whenever possible, skip using the oven and stove during the day, and use the microwave instead to heat food. If you ever have issues with your microwave, fridge, dishwasher, oven and/ or stove, call us at 970-773-1000, or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
Use LED Lights
The last thing you want to do is add more heat to your home. Unfortunately, incandescent bulbs do just that, in that they create more heat. Make the switch to LED bulbs, which are far more energy efficient and produce half as much heat. Plus, LED bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs.
Use Curtains
Block out the sun during the day to prevent your residence from heating up. Use curtains or blinds to keep out sunshine, especially during the hottest part of the day, which is usually 12PM–4PM. If you still crave natural light during the day, block out sun only on windows that receive direct sunlight, such as southern facing windows.
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