Spring into Action with These Tips to Save Green This Year
Spring into action! Summer is coming, but that doesn’t mean it have to bust your budget! See how planning now can bring your comfort up and your energy costs down.
Here are 1-2-3 green I Want SMART solutions that will save you a lot of green this summer!
1. HOW YOU CAN DIAL FOR DOLLARS
When you’re at home this summer, dial your thermostat as high as you can but still feel comfortable – try 78° for starters. The smaller the difference between indoor and outdoor temps, the more you save on your overall bill. Same goes for when you leave on vacation: dial the thermostat higher than normal so you don’t pay too much for cool air while you’re not there to enjoy it!
You may want a cool home right-now-fast when you come back home, but setting your thermostat colder than normal does not cool your home any faster; it actually drives up energy expenses. Dial back to that 78º and be patient. Close all doors to unoccupied rooms that trap heat and turn on any ceiling fans to increase cooling efficiency.
2. WHEN SHOULD WE MAINTAIN OUR AC SYSTEM?
“Now, of course.” Schedule a maintenance check for your AC unit so it will be effective before hot weather hits. Especially for an outdoor unit, make sure your system is weatherproofed and the registers/cooling fins are clear of dirt, dust, dandelions, and other debris. Our trained and trusted experts advice “Prolong the life of your equipment and improve air flow. Besides, there are some things only a professional can do, such as checking the coolant level.”
Another tip? Don’t place lamps or TVs near your thermostat. Their heat can cause misreadings, signaling your AC system to run longer than needed. Clear those heat producers away from your thermostat for accurate reading.
3. AVOID ADDING EXTRA HEAT TO YOUR HOME FROM APPLIANCES
On particularly hot days, cut back on activities that generate a lot of indoor heat. Your dishwasher maybe, or hair dryer. Some big flat-screens throw off a surprising amount of heat. Instead of using your oven, grill outside, or go for a nice cooling salad.
After a long day of working or exercising in the sun, it’s tempting to wash smaller loads to get rid of sweat stains, or to take longer showers. Using as little hot water as possible – in the form of shorter showers or consistently full loads of laundry – is a sure way to save energy!
