While you don’t want to burn up inside your Indianapolis home because of the hot summer temperatures, you also don’t want unpredictable air-conditioning costs to burn a hole in your pocket. Fortunately, you can use these energy saving tips for summer to save money without sacrificing comfort.
Optimize Your Water Heater
Water heating accounts for approximately 18% of the energy consumption in a home. One of the great energy saving tips for summer?Every 10-degree reduction in the temperature of your water heater can reduce your water-heating costs considerably. Consider setting your water heater to no more than 120 degrees, which is enough for the majority of households.
Keep Heat Out Using Window Coverings
The sunlight that streams in through your windows can heat your house significantly and make your air conditioner work harder to keep you cool, increasing your cooling costs. Keep your windows covered during the day to minimize heat gain.
Keep Your Air Conditioner Properly Maintained
Have your air conditioner serviced by a professional every year. Additionally, change your air filters regularly. A well-maintained air conditioner will operate at peak performance and efficiency, helping you lower your energy costs.
Use the Thermostat Efficiently
The closer your preferred indoor temperature is to the outdoor temperature, the lower your cooling costs will be. Keep your home warmer than usual when you’re away and reduce the temperature setting when you’re back home and require cooling. You can do this easily and automatically with a smart or programmable thermostat.
When you first turn your air conditioner on, don’t set the thermostat lower than normal. Rather than cool your home faster, doing this could cause excessive cooling and needless expenses.
Run Ceiling Fans
One of the great energy saving tips for summer that people may not know is that the wind chill effect that ceiling fans create allows you to set your thermostat four degrees warmer without downgrading your comfort. Set the fan blades to run counterclockwise to create a breeze that makes you feel cooler.
Take the steps above, and your pocketbook will thank you. The environment will thank you too. For more energy saving tips for summer, contact Mowery Heating, Cooling and Plumbing. We’ve proudly served the Indianapolis area for more than 50 years.
