The summer months will be upon us before we know it on Long Island. The summer offers so many positive perks including more time spent outdoors, barbecues, vacations, family time and the
fact that it stays light out until almost 9:00 PM in the heart if the summer! There are however, a few downfalls to the summer season and one of the disadvantages to this otherwise extremely popular season is that it can be a real energy guzzler on your home.
So before you watch your electric bill skyrocket, check out some of the following tips on ways that you can be proactive to help save energy and cut costs in your home over the summer. The Department of Energy recommends some of the following easy steps to take to be more energy efficient in your home.
Set Your Thermostat
Set your air conditioner thermostat to as high as comfortable for your family. Seventy eight degrees makes sense when you are at home, and you can set it as high as eight five degrees when you are out. You should also make sure the inside air vents are not being blocked by furniture and other objects.
Minimize Heat Indoors
You can help to minimize indoor heat by only running the dishwasher and dryer at night on hot days and let your dishes air dry. Avoid heat-generating incandescent lighting and use a microwave, toaster oven or outdoor grill instead of the oven. To keep your home cool, try to avoid the use of major appliances between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Use Fans and Other Ventilation Strategies to Cool Your Home
If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort. Keep the windows and blinds closed during the day and then open them at night. This is a cost-free way to keep your home a little cooler.
Keep Your Cooling System Running Efficiently
Schedule regular maintenance services for your central air conditioning and cooling equipment.
Other ways to increase energy consumption include:
- Install efficient lighting that runs cooler. Only about ten to fifteen percent of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light—the rest is turned into heat.
- Set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.
- Unplug appliances and other electronics when not in use. You can plug home electronics such as televisions, computers, stereos and DVD players into power strips and turn off the power strips when the equipment is not in use.
You should also make sure that the electrical system in your home is working safely and efficiently throughout the summer months by having a professional electrician fully inspect your home.
If you are interested in scheduling an electrical inspection in your home or commercial location, contact the experts RFG Electrical Contracting. Their professional electricians have years of experience in the electrical industry and can inspect and update any electrical wiring or outlets in your home or business location. RFG Electrical Contracting has been providing exceptional electrician services to the Long Island community for over twenty years. Call us to schedule an appointment for a free estimate today at 631-750-1550.
