Summer Energy Efficiency Tips

With rising prices in gas, food, and electricity, it's important to identify ways you can cut costs to save for recurring payments, emergencies, and trips to the grocery store. It won't be long before the summer heat creeps its way into our homes, but that doesn't mean you need to run a fan all day to keep cool. In this blog, we'll share methods of increasing your home's energy efficiency while keeping comfortable during the summer.

• Close east and west facing windows' curtains and blinds during the day to block the hot sun from heating your home.

• Routinely replace your air conditioning unit's filter and clean vegetation from its vicinity to maximize its efficiency.

• Seal cracks in your windows and doors to prevent cool air from leaking outside.

• Unplug electronics when they aren't in use. "Phantom power," or power that is spent on inactive electronics, can account for up to 10% of your energy bill!

• Install LED lightbulbs and use as much natural lighting as possible to cut down on the amount of power you spend lighting your home. LED lightbulbs have a longer lifespan than incandescent lightbulbs and produce less heat and more light.

• Open your windows to enjoy cool mornings and ventilate your home.

• Repair drippy faucets and reduce hot water consumption as much as possible by taking short, cool showers. Wash your clothes by using cold water on full loads. Use lids when cooking on the stovetop to cut back on lost water and prevent spreading heat.

• Apply for our Community Connections program! Income-eligible homeowners and renters can access free energy saving services to their home, like refrigerator replacements and lightbulbs and power strips. Visit our Community Connections page to learn more and get in touch!