As the weather starts to warm up, many homeowners are starting to turn their air conditioners on and look into other ways to keep their home cool. Unfortunately, it can be extremely difficult to keep your home comfortable in summer without incurring significant energy costs if you do not have the right information. That is why the residential electrical contractors at BNR Electric have compiled a list of summer energy-saving tips to help you maintain a comfortable home without paying more than you need to.
Learn about some energy-efficient upgrades for your home.
5 WAYS TO REDUCE ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN SUMMER
The following techniques and devices can drastically reduce your energy consumption in summer while allowing you to keep your home comfortable:
1. MANAGE YOUR AIR CONDITIONING
While air conditioners are one of the most effective ways of combating the summer heat, they are also one of the most expensive. To cut down on your air conditioning costs, it is worth investing in a programmable thermostat to ensure that your home is not being cooled when it does not need to be. It is also important to ensure that your filter and ducting are clean, as these can cause your air conditioner to work harder if they are dirty or partially clogged.
2. IMPROVE AIR CIRCULATION
Air conditioning is great, but it is only so effective by itself. To maximize the cooling power of your air conditioner, consider investing in ceiling fans, box fans, and other types of air moving equipment. This will help your home feel cooler by ensuring that the cold air from your vents is being properly moved throughout every room, reducing the amount of time your air conditioner needs to run.
3. AVOID UNNECESSARY APPLIANCES
Using your oven during summer will make your home warmer, forcing your air conditioner to work harder to counteract the increase in temperature. The same is true for appliances like dryers, as they use a surprising amount of energy while releasing heat. To minimize energy costs and heat production within your home, utilize barbeques to prepare food and hang your clothes to dry.
4. MANAGE THE HUMIDITY
Excessive humidity can make your home feel hotter than it actually is. To reduce the amount of moisture in your home, move indoor plants outside, run bathroom fans for at least 15 minutes after a shower or bath, and consider purchasing a humidistat or dehumidifier.
5. SWITCH TO LED BULBS
Switching from outdated incandescent bulbs to modern LED bulbs can drastically reduce your energy costs while increasing light coverage. LED bulbs also produce far less heat than incandescent bulbs, making it easier to manage the internal temperature of your home.
To learn more about energy efficiency or to inquire about our electrical services, get in touch with the team at BNR Electric. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have or discuss the details of your project.