Save Money This Summer by Saving Energy

One of the most expensive seasons in terms of energy use is the summer. When temperatures soar and the sun beats down, people need to cool off. But that often means cranking the air conditioner and then paying huge energy bills.

The average family spends around $2,000 per year on energy costs. This number can be easily lowered with a few great tips and a bit of awareness.

Plants: the green solution

Something as simple as planting a wide-leafed tree or bush to create shade for your air conditioner can improve its efficiency by up to 10%. Homeowners can save money and time by planting self-regulating vines or shrubs. Make sure to find plants that grow naturally in your area so they need less upkeep.

Maintain electronics

Take advantage of your appliance warranties and get them checked out for energy efficiency. Many cities have programs that subsidize the cost of new, energy-efficient appliances for homeowners.

Pick off-peak hours

Heavy energy-using appliances like dishwashers and laundry should be used during off-peak hours. These include early morning or later in the evening, when energy prices are lower.

Dry your clothes in the sun

Use the environment to your advantage by hanging clothes on a clothesline, saving on electricity costs by not running the dryer. If you’re prohibited from using clotheslines by your homeowner’s association, you can easily purchase a small drying rack to leave on the porch or backyard.

Decorate in cool, light colors

Dark colors absorb hot energy from the sun, while light colors reflect it back. Some inexpensive solutions to summer heat include putting white or light-colored curtains and furnishings in rooms with large windows.

White is an increasingly popular paint color for household interiors for the same reason – it reflects the sun’s intense heat and saves lots of money on cooling. Larger institutions like hospitals and addiction rehab centers have been saving money for years with white walls and energy-friendly furnishings.

Take cold showers

Not only will taking a cold shower lower the energy costs associated with your home’s water heater, but it will also cool the body’s internal temperature thereby decreasing your need for air conditioning.

A window onto saving

Approximately 5-10% of a home’s energy costs go out through the window, literally. The easy solution is to install sun control film in your home. For a small cost, this film coats your windows, preventing sunlight from heating the room. The film also decreases people’s exposure to harmful UV rays.

Cracks and leaks in existing windows or doorframes lead to energy loss and reduce the efficiency of your cooling units. Seal the cracks and holes in exterior doors with foam insulation or weather stripping.

Turn off energy-hungry appliances

For maximum energy efficiency that will save you more than pennies, look around at your outlets. Unplug all non-necessary electronics, iPods, TVs, gaming systems and any other electronic devices. Even if it’s in ”sleep mode,” anything plugged in is slowly draining energy and driving up costs. It just takes a moment to save energy and money – pull the plug!

Tags: Air conditioning, Conservation, Cracks, Efficient energy use, Energy, Home insurance, IPod, Technology

Category: Saving Money