Beat the Heat While Having Fun in the Sun!
Summer is here, and the season for grilling hamburgers and hot dogs has arrived! Over the summer, you might find yourselves cooling off in a pool, boating on a lake, floating down a river or even taking an extended road trip or cruise. Whether you are at home or away, please remember that many of your home appliances remain at work — security lights, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, air conditioners, etc. — and continue to impact our electric bills.
While you have fun in the sun, just implementing a few, simple energy-efficiency tips can add significantly to your summertime peace of mind.
Cooling System
- Cooling accounts for as much as 50% (possibly more) of your energy costs.
- Consider increasing and keeping your thermostat setting at 78 degrees (or higher) and using fans. Using fans at higher temperature settings can feel more comfortable. When you are at home — and not at the pool, lake or river — simply turn on the fans. Why excessively cool space at home when you are not there? Fans use less energy and can make a room feel as much as 3 degrees cooler.
- Make sure your thermostat is reading correctly. Use a thermometer you know is accurate to check your thermostat. If your thermostat is reading incorrectly, have it repaired or replaced. Newer thermostats are more accurate than older ones. An inaccurate thermostat set at 78 degrees, but is actually 75 degrees, can cost up to an additional 9% in cooling costs.
- Keep in mind that a 1-degree change in the thermostat setting can increase or decrease your electric bill by as much as 3% in energy costs. This means that by increasing your cooling system’s thermostat setting by just 3 degrees you can potentially save as much as 9% on your next summer monthly electric bill.
- If you have not done so, consider having a trained professional HVAC technician tune up your cooling system before the summer peak heat arrives.
Air Filters
- A dirty air filter can increase your cooling costs as much as 10%. Dirty air filters block a significant percentage of airflow and drastically reduce a cooling system’s efficiency.
- Air filters should be changed at least once a month. This will not only keep your air cleaner, but will prolong the life of your cooling system, as a clean system will run more efficiently.
Water Heater
Hot water can account for up to 30% of your energy costs — second only to your cooling (and heating) costs.
Reducing the consumption of hot water will save you money. Consider doing the following:
- Install a low-flow showerhead in the shower as well as reduce time in the shower.
- Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full loads can be washed.
- Use cold water as much as possible when washing clothes.
- Turn down the temperature setting on your water heater to 120 degrees.
- Repair leaking hot water faucets.
- Don’t let the hot water tap run unnecessarily.
Fortunately, there are things you can do to manage your home’s energy consumption and keep money in your pocket to use for your summertime fun in the sun. There are many ways to save energy and money, but the above considerations are a few of the small things you can do to significantly save money.
For additional advice, or if you simply have questions about energy efficiency, please call Petit Jean Electric Cooperative at (501) 745-2493. A trained Member Services Representative will be happy to assist you, and can even arrange for you to receive a free energy audit by one of our trained energy efficiency experts.
