As temperatures rise and kids get out of school, you may be spending more on energy in the coming summer months. However, a few simple lifestyle changes can make huge differences in your energy bill without sacrificing comfort.
Read on for 5 Ways To Save Money on Energy This Summer while beating the heat!
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5 Ways To Save Money on Energy This Summer
Solar Powered Generators are significant money-savers. Whether you need extra energy for a party or experience frequent blackouts, a good solar powered generator can provide you with the power you need at significantly cheaper rates than their gas-run counterparts.
These tools have a low cost to run, thanks to their unique advantage of zero-cost fuel.
In terms of upkeep, solar generators also lack a lot of the moving parts a typical generator needs to function, making them a less-risky investment for part replacement than gas-run generators.
If you live in a sunny area and are interested in saving money while helping the environment, consider choosing a solar generator to use this summer.
2. Use AC and Fans at the Same Time
This one might seem counterintuitive at first, but it works. With electricity prices at their highest during the summer months, turning down your AC just a few degrees lower can result in a massive electric bill.
Instead, keep your AC within the recommended range for your location while using the ceiling fan to spread and cool the air throughout your house.
Although a fan doesn’t lower the temperature of the air around you, they make spaces feel cooler using the wind chill effect. That said, fans use energy, too, so make sure to turn them off when you leave the room.
Even if you don’t have a ceiling fan installed in your room, a stand fan near the AC vents can have an equally powerful cooling effect.
Photo by Rachel Claire
While any cooking uses energy, switching to cooking outdoors can positively affect your overall electricity usage. The reason? Keeping cooking heat outside means that you won’t compound your energy usage between warming your food and the house, then cooling it down.
Ovens and stoves warm the interior of your house, making your air conditioning work harder.
So, consider firing up the grill for lunch instead of using indoor appliances, and you might save some money while enjoying a smoky, grilled twist on your favorite foods!
Photo by Rachel Claire
Solar heat gain, or the extra heat filtered through the windows that warms your house, is a significant contributor to uncomfortable indoor temperatures during the summer.
If you purchased your home new, you might have specialty windows with a low solar heat gain coefficient and shield your home well from the sun.
However, even if you can’t afford specialty heat-blocking windows, blinds are an excellent option for keeping extra solar heat outside your home.
Photo by Pixabay
You can also get reflective blinds that bounce the light (and accompanying heat) back outside your house before it has the chance to warm your living space.
Similarly, exterior blinds are great options for creating indoor shade and are used almost exclusively for solar energy control.
If your home doesn’t already have blinds installed, curtains can be a good option.
Photo by Pixabay
Finally, one of the most important tips for saving energy is ensuring that your home is properly insulated. The environmental protection agency estimates that homeowners can save over $200 annually with a properly insulated home.
In the summer, properly insulating a house means making sure doors and windows are sealed, checking or installing an attic vent, and replacing air filters. Keeping your home adequately insulated is also a great way to increase its market value for the future.
Photo by Erik Mclean
Stay Cool Without Breaking the Bank
Keeping energy costs low during the summer can seem impossible, but it’s doable with just a few small lifestyle changes. Making these changes is an excellent way to keep yourself happy and cool all summer long.
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