Can you feel that? It’s the dead of summer and the heat hits you as soon as you step outside. And this year, due to COVID-19, more of us are spending time at home and inside than ever before. You may have noticed an uptick in energy usage, particularly if you have family members who are working from home. According to a study conducted by Sense, at-home energy consumption is up 22% since COVID-19 and the accompanying quarantines.
If you are looking for ways to lower your energy consumption (and your energy bill in the process), try implementing a few of these savvy saving tips.
Use A Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans can dramatically reduce your energy consumption if you’re a fan of air conditioning. They use a fraction of the energy that an A/C unit uses and can be turned on only in rooms that you’re using. And while you might not give them much credit, using a ceiling fan means you can adjust your thermostat by about 4 degrees without noticing any change in your comfort level.
Use Your Thermostat Correctly
For optimal energy savings, set your thermostat to 78℉ during the summer. It can help save up to 10% in energy costs each year. If 78℉ still seems a bit warm, you can bump it down. However, keep in mind that for every degree you raise your thermostat over 72℉, you save about 3% on the cooling of your home.
Smart thermostats are a great way to ensure that you and your family utilize your energy usage appropriately. Most learn your heating and cooling habits and can dramatically reduce your energy bill over the year. If you don’t
Use More Cold Water
Heating water, particularly when doing laundry, utilizes a ton of energy. Opt to wash clothing in cool water and save up to $200 on your bill annually. Plus, it’s less harsh on your clothes.
Try showering in cool water. There are benefits to your circulatory system, plus there’s no better way to wake up and start the day. If you can’t cut it with cold water, keep your warm showers as short as possible.
Keep It Covered
A simple way to keep the heat out of your home is to utilize window treatments effectively. When your windows are in the sun, especially direct sun, close the blinds or draw the curtains closed. This will keep your rooms from heating up, helping to keep cooling costs down. While you’re at it, ensure that all the seals on your windows and doors are effectively keeping out warm air as well.
Get To Grilling
Using your stove and oven can raise the temperature in your kitchen and surrounding rooms by 10 degrees. If the weather permits, try grilling to avoid needing to cool your home. Plus, you won’t use all the energy to preheat your oven.
Even though we are all spending more time at home these days, that doesn’t mean that we have to spend more money on energy usage. Follow these tips and watch the savings stack up.
