How to Maximize Your Energy Efficiency During the Hottest Months
by Jenna Mendez
3.8 min read
Don’t let your energy efficiency suffer in the summer heat! According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, almost 90 percent of homes in the U.S. use some form of air conditioning to keep cool during the summer. In the same way, the E.I.A. predicts a 4.7 percent increase in electricity prices for this summer. As temperatures start to rise, it’s more important than ever to discover ways to keep your home as energy efficient as possible so you can save money in the long run. Here are a few of our favorite tips to help:
Use your Thermostat Wisely
We all know that the summer months can be tough when it comes to trying to keep our home cool as well as energy efficient. Setting your temperature a few degrees higher during the day (of course at a comfortable level) can help reduce your energy usage. If you’re looking for an easier way to control the climate within your home, consider installing a smart thermostat so you can pre-set temperatures to rise and fall when you need it. Want to know more about other tech that’s designed to increase your energy efficiency? Read our blog about the best smart home technology to learn more.
Replace Dirty Air Filters
Not only can replacing your dirty air filter help reduce your energy consumption and energy costs, but it’s also key to maintaining healthy indoor air quality and promoting sustainability. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, replacing your dirty air filter can save you up to 15 percent on your energy bill. To keep your energy costs down and to prepare yourself for the summer months, it’s important to replace your air filters at least every 6 months.
Use Fans
If you have fans throughout your home, you have a fantastic opportunity to make your home more energy efficient. Not only can fans improve your air flow within the rooms of your home, but they are also far more cost-efficient than running your air-conditioner. Plus, many of the newest models are designed with maximum sustainability in mind – so you can rest easy about your purchase and reap the rewards of staying cool!
Shade your Window
Shading the windows in your home helps keep UV light out which can prevent heat gain during the summer. Using blinds and curtains over your windows can help keep your space cool without having to overwork your air conditioner. Not to mention, shading your windows helps protect your furniture and flooring from the harshness of the UV lights that can cause discoloration.
Plant Trees for Shade
If you’re looking for even more ways to create shade for your home, consider planting tall trees for even more natural shade. With this extra shade, trees reduce your energy usage with your home during peak hours by lessening your need to use your air conditioner. In addition to the numerous benefits trees have to offer, these leafy superheroes are champions in absorbing harmful pollutants from the air. And who doesn’t want cleaner air while also promoting sustainability?
If You’re not Using it, Unplug it
Boiling summer heat shouldn’t mean boiling energy bills! While you’re out enjoying the things summer has to offer, unplugging unused tech like phone chargers and computers is a great way to reduce your energy consumption. Moreover, even devices on standby can waste 20 watts per device. In the same way, plugging electronics into a power strip in an easy way to ensure all your devices are switched off at once.
In the end, you don’t have to sweat over your energy consumption this summer. There are plenty of ways you can keep sustainability in mind! From using fans, to planting trees, remaining energy efficient during the summer months is easier than you might think! If you’re looking to beat the heat in a whole new way without compromising your energy, consider a switch to Santanna’s Unlimited Energy Plan.
Santanna Energy Services is a supplier of renewable energy solutions in the United States, providing services to Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Ohio. We provide a wide range of energy services and products to meet the needs of both residential and small business customers. Our mission is to provide innovative and cost-effective energy solutions that will help our customers achieve their energy goals. With over 35 years of experience, we are committed to creating life-long relationships by providing quality service to customers, communities, and employees.
Jenna loves to use her voice to spread awareness about reforestation, eco-friendly initiatives, and protecting planet Earth. She's passionate about making the world a better place and is driven by her desire to give back to the planet. She is committed to learning more about the environment and its preservation and is a strong believer in the power of education and activism.
