Many homeowners are looking for ways to save money, the environment, or both. One way is to reduce energy consumption. You can improve the efficiency of your home, save the environment and reduce your utility bills by changing how you use appliances.
These are some ways to conserve energy and keep your cool when you get your next utility bill.
Your thermostat habits can help you save money on your annual energy bill. Avoid turning down your thermostat during the hot summer days as it will cause the house to cool more quickly. Air conditioners can cool your home by removing humidity. This takes some time. Because humidity isn't removed, lowering the thermostat will not make your home cool quicker. This will cause the AC to run longer to reach the lower thermostat setting point.
A smart thermostat will give you more control over the temperature settings. Smart thermostats learn your preferences and adjust your heating/cooling settings based on your behavior. The thermostat communicates with temperature sensors in every room and adjusts your home's heating or cooling settings to your desired levels. Smart home technology can reduce your energy consumption by approximately 10-20 percent per month.
The difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures will generally result in lower heating and cooling costs. You can experiment with your thermostat to find the ideal temperature for comfort and energy saving. When you are at home, set your thermostat at 25.5 C (the recommended setting point for the summer months), and then adjust the temperature by one to two degrees each time. While managing humidity, you want to set the temperature as high as possible in summer and as low in the winter.
Utilize Your Ceiling Fan
You can also save energy by using your ceiling fan to cool your home. To create cool air, run your fan counterclockwise as the summer draws near. If the temperature is hotter, you can use your ceiling fan to distribute cool air from your HVAC system throughout the home.
Ceiling fans are not only cool but can also save you money on heating. Running your fan clockwise during the cooler months can push warm air from the ceiling into the rest of your home, reducing the need for heat.
A ceiling fan can be used to heat or cool your home. It will help you reduce your monthly energy costs and keep your home comfortable. Make sure the fan is spinning in the correct direction to achieve your desired effect.
Check How Long You Shower and Update Your Showerhead
It is possible to cut down on water consumption by being aware of the time you are using the shower. Set a timer for each of your showers if this is a problem in your household. We recommend low-flow showerheads. Standard showerheads emit 2.5 gallons each minute while low-flow showerheads only use 2 gallons. These small adjustments can make a big difference in how much water you use and how much money you save.
Wash Clothes with Cold Water
Your washer uses more hot water per load than your dishwasher and shower combined. A wash cycle that rinses your clothes in cold water is one of the best ways you can conserve energy. Consider replacing your washer with an energy-efficient model if it isn't a high-efficiency model.
Hang your clothes to dry while you are at it to increase energy savings in the laundry area.
Manage Your Electronics
Small amounts of electricity are used by smartphones, laptops, and game consoles as well as chargers. This can increase electricity costs. Phantom power is the energy that devices use even when they aren't in use. It can make up as much as 10% of a home’s energy consumption. You can save on your energy costs by monitoring and unplugging electronics after they have fully charged.
Insulating Your Home with Shrubs and Plant Hedges
Like how trees shade your home in the summer, shrubs around your home can help protect your exterior walls from heat or cold. By creating an air barrier, shrubs and hedges act as windbreaks and insulate the exterior walls and spigots. Plant hedges that are suitable for your area at 30 cm from exterior walls to get the best results.
Cover and Close Your Windows in the Summer
Humidity can make your rooms uncomfortable and feel sticky. Central air conditioning units cool your home by removing moisture. Keep your windows closed in the summer months when it is more humid outside. If you open your windows, humidity is allowed in which will cause your air conditioner not to work as hard to cool the indoor temperature. For a home, the ideal humidity level is between 35-50 percent. To prevent heat loss in your home, close all windows that face direct sunlight during the summer months.
Upgrade Your Heating and Cooling Systems
Modern HVAC systems are more energy-efficient and less expensive to run, which can help you save money and energy. Renting a high-efficiency furnace, boiler, or air conditioner unit is advisable if your heating system is less than half-efficient or older than 15 to 20 years old. A high-efficiency replacement is recommended for AC units older than 13 SEER.
If you need help with making sure that your HVAC systems are running efficiently, feel free to call the experts at Ingersoll's Refrigeration Air Conditioning & Heating Inc today at 251-928-9392 or visit us online!
