Summer Energy Saving Tips
Window Treatments:
DO use blinds, shades and drapery during the hottest hours of the day--between noon and 4:30 p.m.--on the sunny sides of your house to prevent heat buildup. (Thermal curtains are the best window treatments to repel heat.)
DON'T use dark colors. Dark colors absorb heat while light colors repel excess heat.
Fans:
DO use ceiling fans to keep cool.
DON'T leave them running when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not rooms.
Air Conditioning:
DO use your AC unit's fan.
DON'T leave the fan running when your AC is off. Turning the AC unit's fan on when the unit is off will increase your energy costs and may shorten the appliance’s life by adding unnecessary wear and tear.
Thermostat Setting:
DO set your thermostat to 78° F in warm weather or follow the 20-degree rule. (Set your thermostat no more than 20 degrees lower than the temperature outside.)
DON'T adjust the thermostat throughout the day. If you change the temperature often during the day, you are more likely to waste energy.
Cooking:
DO turn on your kitchen exhaust fan to remove excess heat, moisture and cooking odors while cooking or just afterward.
DON'T let it run for more than 15 minutes after cooking. If it runs for too long, it will remove conditioned air.
Dishwasher:
DO run your dishwasher during cooler parts of the day and avoid using it on sweltering days, to prevent heating up your home.
DON'T use the dishwasher's heat-dry option, which increases the appliance's electricity usage.
Refrigerator:
DO set your refrigerator's temperature to 37 ° F or below 40 ° F and your freezer at 0° F.
DO leave space between foods in your refrigerator and freezer to prevent blocking of interior air vents.
DON'T open the refrigerator and freezer frequently or for long periods. Every time you open the door, warm air enters. The compressor has to work hard to bring the temperature back down when the door is closed.
DON'T overload your refrigerator or freezer with food, because packing food too tightly can overload the compressor.
Use our Daily Energy Usage Tracker to see how these tips can impact your utility costs. Follow our Facebook or Instagram for more seasonal energy-saving tips!