Many people never think about their summer energy usage until that first summertime utility bill arrives. Who knew that warm weather could be so expensive, right? Those who gave no thought to it at first soon get the urge to cut back on all of the sneaky little energy vampires that siphon away the kilowatts even as they sweat out the hottest days of the year. Taming those monster utility bills is all about energy efficiency both great and small.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners are the biggest drains on the summer household budget and there are limits on what can be done to reduce dependence on it unless one is willing to move to Australia, where it is winter, for three months. For those who remain at home, the first order of business is to keep the sunshine out. Closed shades and blinds prevent the house from heating up as quickly and thus reduce the need for cooling to offset the temperature buildup. Conversely, throwing open windows at night and using fans to create a breeze that flows from one end of the house to the other can make for comfortable sleeping and cool, relaxing mornings.
Dirty Air Filters
Many people do not even realize that their heating and cooling systems have filters in them—or that they need to be changed on a regular basis. Clean filters mean enhanced air flow and less work from the fan motor. All of this means that the system will use less electricity and therefore create savings on the bill. The other half of the central HVAC equation is the need to dial up the thermostat. Even a degree or two can result in much lower utility bills. No matter how much theoretical energy efficiency any system has, it uses even less energy when it is not working at all.
Energy Vampires
Other very silent energy vampires are the countless phantom loads inside every modern house. All those little digital clocks on everything draw electricity on a continuous basis. In addition, many appliances are in a so-called “hot” state where they use a small amount of electricity at all times so that they can be available for use instantly rather than after a short delay while they warm up. Unplugging as many of the non-critical ones as possible, or putting them on power strips with on-off switches, can cut down on your electricity usage.
Water Heaters
Just as you turn up your thermostat in summer, so too can you turn down your water heater. The need for lobster-inducing bath and showers is considerably reduced in the summer, and your laundry will do just fine in slightly cooler wash water. Using the old solar-powered clothes dryer, also known as a clothesline, is one of the true joys of the summer season. Not only do you cut down on one of the biggest drains on your energy budget, but your clothes feel and smell so much nicer.
The important thing to remember about summertime energy efficiency is that all the money you waste on unnecessary consumption leaves you less for your vacation budget or the grocery bill for your big barbecue. So spend the money on your family and yourself, not on the power company, and have a great summer.
To further reduce your home cooling costs, you should maintain your air conditioner. An AC tune-up will keep your air conditioner running as efficiently as possible, keeping you comfortable, while reducing your utility costs. Charity Oil only partners with reputable, licensed dealers who provide top-notch service and discount prices.
Keep your HVAC system running efficiently so that you can reduce your utility costs by contacting Charity Oil today. Contact us today or give us a call at (845) 470-1000 if you have any questions.