10 Simple Summer Energy Savings Tips for Work and Home
With summer in full gear, during the day we may not realize how much opportunity there is around us to reduce our energy bill. With small, temporary energy reductions at home and in the office, less turns out to be more.
1) Taking Cover – Often the air conditioner will kick on and run higher than it needs to during the summer. By covering windows with blinds or shades, the sun’s heat will be cut off from entering your home and workspace immediately and your air conditioner won’t feel the need to combat this heat so aggressively.
2) Dim the Lights – If your lights are on a dimmer or certain rows of lights are separate from others, consider turning off a row or two. If you have windows nearby, the natural light may be enough to make up for the lights dimmed or turned off even through the window covering. You may find out you don’t need all those lights on, many homes and offices are over-equipped with lighting.
3) Unplug if Unused - Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren’t in use. Most new electronics use electricity even when switched “off”, notice if there’s a “stand by” power button. Turn computers and printers off at the power strip.
4) Replace air filters - Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the HVAC system to run longer, increasing energy use. Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit.
5) Cooling the Kitchen – Nothing is more energy efficient for cooking than your microwave. It uses two-thirds less energy than your stove. Be sure to use it before 3pm or after 7pm to avoid peak power periods.
6) Keep the Fridge Full - Keep refrigerators full. A full refrigerator retains the cold longer and will cycle on less frequently.
7) Let There Be (Efficient) Light – replace your incandescent light bulbs that are used more than two hours per day with compact fluorescent bulbs. For example, install compact fluorescent bulbs in your porch light if you leave it on overnight. Make it a motion detector and it’ll only go on when needed.
8) Turn up the thermostat - Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away. Using ceiling or room fans allow you to set the thermostat higher because the air movement will cool the room. Always take into account health considerations, pets and be sure to drink plenty of fluids in warm weather.
9) Choose Energy Star Products – Products in more than 60 categories are eligible for the Energy Star. They use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. Appliances, lighting fixtures, thermostats, windows and more are available.
10) Be Mindful of Peak Power Periods – Whenever possible, don’t use large equipment, microwaves, coffee makers, vending machines, washing machines, etc. during the peak hours of 3 pm to 7 pm. Turn equipment and lights off after hours, set energy-saving features on all your office equipment to put them into sleep mode when not in use. Install motion lighting for kitchens and restrooms and turn off lights in unused conference rooms and offices. We operate by habit so make them good ones!
Plus, enroll in a demand response program and get paid for the energy you aren’t using at your work by performing some of these and other temporary curtailment strategies.
An energy audit is the best investment you can make for your business. Contact EnergyConnect for a free energy consultation today.
Posted on Thursday, July 9th, 2009 - BlogConnect
July 12th, 2009 at 10:03 pm
These are very useful tips on how to save up more energy and to save up more money in our pockets in paying too expensive energy consumption bill.