Summer Energy-Saving Tips for Homeowners
Wondering how to lower your energy costs this summer? In the Pacific Northwest, summer heatwaves can push temperatures into the upper-80s to 90s, causing your home’s air conditioner to work overtime. For homeowners in Washington and Oregon, finding ways to lower electric bills in summer can seem difficult. Luckily, we have some quick fixes to help you save energy and money while staying cool. Here are five simple and effective energy tips to help keep your energy costs affordable when the weather is warm.
1. Use Your Thermostat Wisely
Optimize your thermostat settings to save money on your electricity bills this summer. The recommended thermostat setting for summer cooling is 78°F. This temperature provides a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. If this isn’t cool enough for your preference, try lowering the thermostat by one degree at a time to find your ideal comfort setting.
The goal is to stay cool and comfortable without spiking your energy costs. It’s best to avoid drastic setting changes to prevent your AC from overworking itself.
2. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats have made it easier than ever to control indoor temperatures, and are a great option for homeowners looking to lower their electric bill in summer by automatically optimizing energy efficiency. A smart thermostat is Wi-Fi enabled to allow remote control of your system just by using an app on your phone. Many of these devices learn household routines to automatically adjust temperatures for cost savings. With a smart thermostat, you can also set “away” cooling schedules to avoid cooling your home while out of the house or traveling.
An ENERGY STAR smart thermostat can save homeowners around 8% on heating and cooling bills or $50 per year for the average home.
3.Use Ceiling Fans to Support Cooling
Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect, making people in a room feel several degrees cooler. This allows for higher thermostat settings and lower energy bills. Just remember to turn off the fan when you leave the room since it technically cools people, not the room.
Getting ceiling fans installed before summer can help you take advantage of these cost savings from the wind chill effect. Make sure you also set your fan to rotate counterclockwise to create a downward breeze.
4. Maintain Your Electrical & Cooling Systems
Routine maintenance is key to energy efficiency for electrical and cooling systems. A spring tune-up ensures your air conditioner is ready for the warm summer months. Your electrical system should also be inspected every few years to ensure proper functioning and identify issues like outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or faulty components.
An electrical professional can assess your system to address concerns you may have and identify any hidden hazards. By maintaining these essential systems, you can reap benefits such as higher energy efficiency and lower utility bills.
5. Upgrade to LED Lighting
LED lighting, especially ENERGY STAR rated products, use a minimum of 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. If you haven’t upgraded to energy-efficient lighting yet, now is the time. The U.S. Department of Energy shares that the average homeowner saves $225 in energy costs per year by using LED lighting. LED lights are ideal for under-cabinet lighting, recessed downlights, and replacement light bulbs. Be sure to find a licensed electrical contractor to install new lighting installations and fixtures.
PPNW Pros Can Help You Lower Energy Costs
Powering Pacific Northwest (PPNW) connects homeowners in Oregon and Washington to licensed and insured electrical professionals. Our electrical contractors specialize in residential work and understand the intricacies of home electrical systems.
Need a new smart thermostat, LED lighting, or ceiling fans installed? No problem—find a contractor today!
