The quickest way to lower your energy costs is to conserve. Here are some simple things you can do to help you save energy this summer.
Give your stove a rest
A microwave oven uses two-thirds less energy than your stove to cook and heat food. Other energy-savers include grilling outdoors or enjoying cold, healthy soups and salads as the main course.
Load the dishwasher
A dishwasher uses less water and less energy to heat the water than washing dishes by hand. If you let your dishes air dry instead of using the heated dry option, you will save even more.
Keep the refrigerator full
A full fridge uses less energy than a partly empty one because the cold food prevents it from warming up too fast whenever you open the door.
Inch up your thermostat
You could save between 1% and 3% on your cooling bill for every degree you raise your thermostat above 72. By running your air conditioner and ceiling fan together, your house will feel 4 degrees cooler.
Use your ceiling fan properly
Remember to turn ceiling fans off when you leave a room. Fans cool people, not the air.
Install a programmable thermostat
Its truly one of the best ways to save energy, and not just in the summer. The catch: It doesnt save energy if you dont program it. Tell it to raise your homes temperature by at least 7 degrees when everyone leaves the house for the day and 4 degrees at bedtime.
Run appliances efficiently
Run the dishwasher and pool pump and do the laundry after dark. Electricity is most expensive during peak times when everyone else is using it. Make sure the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer are full when using them.
Remove the refrigerator in your garage
One of your homes biggest energy hogs is a half-empty, out-of-date refrigerator trying to keep items cold in a hot, uninsulated garage.
Move heat-emitting electric appliances away from the thermostat
The heat from lamps, TVs, and other appliances can trick the thermostat into thinking its hotter in the house than it is. In response, it will make the house colder than it should.
