Summer tips
on energy use
Lower your energy consumption
As the temperatures rise, so do our energy bills. The main culprit is our HVAC, and our need for comfort. Here are a couple of tips to help you save some money, and use less energy this summer.
Maintain your HVAC unit
A dirty and unmaintained HVAC unit can cost you a pretty penny, regardless what season it is. Here’s a checklist to help you out:
- Age
You can expect a good 15-20 years of efficiency from an AC unit. Anything older than that, and you may want to consider investing in a new unit, to save money in the long term. - Cleanliness
A clean unit is a happy unit. When your AC filter is clogged up, or the coils are filled with gunk, your unit is working twice as hard, consuming a lot more energy. - Insulation
If your AC condenser outside has a rotten or non-existent foam insulator, you may be losing a lot of energy through heat transfer by radiation and lack of insulation.
Windows and doors
It’s always a good idea to make sure cold air is not leaking through cracks in your windows and doors. Use weather stripping to get a snug seal on your door frames. Consider installing energy efficient windows.
Lower your water heater, increase your AC
If you don’t use the hottest temperature for your showers, you can probably lower your water heater temperature. The higher it is, the more energy your heater spends to keep that temperature in the water tank. Of course, if you own an tankless water heater, you don’t have to worry about that.
During the day, keep your house at the recommended 78 degrees. Any lower, and you can be spending a fortune fighting against the heat outside. A four degree reduction on your thermostat can equal up to 12% reduction on your energy bill.