Survive the Heatwave: Smart Energy Saving Tips For Summer
Summer is here, and so is the heatwave. With temperatures soaring to record highs, most of us begin to rely heavily on our air conditioning units to keep our homes cool and comfortable. But, using AC units constantly during the scorching summer months could lead to skyrocketing energy bills. So, what can you do to save energy and still stay cool in the summer? In this blog, we’ll share some smart energy-saving tips that can help you survive the heatwave this summer.
Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans are a great alternative to air conditioners. They circulate cool air around the room, helping to keep it cool without using as much energy as an AC. Using fans along with an AC unit allows you to raise the thermostat by a few degrees, thereby conserving energy and keeping your home cool. Additionally, you should only use the fan in rooms you are in to avoid unnecessary energy consumption.
Close Your Curtains
Keeping your curtains closed during the day can prevent heat from the sun’s rays from entering your home, thereby reducing the need for your AC unit to work harder to keep your home cool. By keeping the curtains closed, you create a shaded area, which can help you save energy and money in the long run.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature of your home based on different times of day. You can set the temperature to be higher while you’re off during working hours and cooler when you’re back home. This gives you the freedom to save energy by not having your AC run all day unnecessarily, and it’ll keep your home comfortable when you’re in it. The added advantage to getting one is that you can control the temperature from anywhere in the world.
Maintain Your AC Unit
An air conditioning unit that isn’t operating efficiently, adds to your energy consumption. Before the heatwave arrives, make sure your AC is clean and well-maintained by changing filters and having it serviced regularly. When your AC is running smoothly, you’ll reduce energy consumption and improve airflow efficiently, leading to better energy savings.
Use LED Lighting
Incandescent light bulbs waste a lot of energy, and they generate a lot of heat too, which is a bad combination in the summer months. By using LED lights, you can save up to 90% of energy usage and limit the heat output in your home.
Unplug and Reduce Your Energy Footprint
Did you know that many households consume up to 75% of their total energy usage while appliances are turned off? Items such as televisions, computers, and chargers use energy even when on standby. Unplugging these items can save you a significant amount of energy usage and money on your power bill. You can also consider investing in smart plugs that can remotely control home appliances, ensuring they’re only using energy when needed.
Adding insulation in your attic
Many homes overlook the importance of insulation in their attics. By adding proper insulation, you can help keep your home cooler during the summer and warmer during the winter months. Insulation acts as a barrier to heat flow, preventing it from entering or escaping your home. This will reduce your reliance on air conditioning units and heaters, resulting in significant energy savings.
The three most common attic insulation options
1. Traditional Blown-In Insulation
The traditional blown-in insulation, also known as cellulose insulation, is made of recycled newspaper. Its popularity is due to its affordability. The insulation is blown onto the attic floor to fill up the openings and gaps. The cellulose insulation has better soundproofing properties and higher fire resistance. However, it is not as effective in preventing air leaks as other insulation materials.
2. Reflective Insulation
Unlike traditional blown-in insulation, reflective insulation is made up of layers of reflective material that reflect heat and sunlight to keep the house cool. The insulation is installed on the floor of the attic, and it works by reflecting the heat from the sun to prevent it from entering the house. Reflective insulation is easy to install and doesn’t require any special tools. Despite its numerous benefits, it is not recommended for areas with extreme cold weather.
3. Foam Insulation
Foam insulation is the most effective option among the three insulation types but also the most expensive. The insulation restricts heat flow as it expands to fill up the gaps and openings. Moreover, foam insulation provides better air sealing compared to other insulation types, while preventing moisture accumulation. However, professional installation of foam insulation is required, and it is essential to follow proper safety precautions since it releases toxic fumes during installation.
The heat can be unbearable during the summer months, but that doesn’t mean you need to rely solely on your AC unit to keep your home cool. By using the tips we’ve outlined in this post, you can conserve energy, reduce your impact on the environment, and cut down your energy bills. Remember to always be mindful of how you consume energy, and try to find ways to reduce your energy consumption so that you can beat the heat without breaking the bank.
