During the summer months on Long Island, monthly averages can range from 78-82 degrees. With warm weather outside, many homeowners struggle to adapt ways to cool their homes without their electric bills skyrocketing. Many tips below are free and easy to incorporate daily within your household.
5. Operate Your A/C Thermostat Efficiently
When setting your thermostat, set it at a temperature that you find comfortable and provides humidity control. If possible, keep your indoor temperature just a few degrees between indoor and outdoor temperatures. Programming your thermostat in this matter will ultimately lower the overall cooling needed. Another great tip is to keep your home warmer than usual when you are away from home for long periods. By using a programmable thermostat, you can keep your home warmer during the day, say for when you are at work, and then lower the temperature to a specific temperature before you are home, not to sacrifice comfort.
4. Use Window Treatments to Keep Out Heat
Although window treatments and drapes are commonly associated with home decoration, when picked carefully, some window treatments can prevent heat from entering your home via the sun. When looking at window treatments, there are two options, blinds and drapes. Blinds, when entirely pulled down and closed over a window, can reduce up to 45% of the sunlight entering your home. Drapes can also reduce heat by closing draperies on windows with daylight entering the house; drapes can reduce up to 33% of the sun.
3. Install Energy Star Appliances and Energy-Efficient Lighting Fixtures
An energy star appliance has met the strict energy-efficiency requirements of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These appliances use less energy and also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, installing an Energy Star-certified dishwasher has “smart” features allowing less water usage.
2. Utilize a Ceiling Fan
Installing a ceiling fan within your home can be a great addition; they are among the most influential fans. Why? Because they circulate the air within the room to create a draft effect. Combined with air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat about four degrees Fahrenheit with no cutback on comfort.
1. Go Solar!
Installing a solar electric system in your home is one of, if not the best, ways to reduce your electric bill during the summer. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), residential electricity rates have risen 4% in the United States over the last ten years. While pairing that with the cost of solar declining sharply over the previous ten years, there is no better time to go solar and reap the benefits!
References
Spring and Summer Energy-Saving Tips. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/spring-and-summer-energy-saving-tips
U.S. Energy Information Administration – EIA – Independent Statistics and Analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/electricity.php