10 summer energy saving tips

Summer is always welcome with the sun, the heat and warm evenings. But sometimes the rising temperatures can be reflected in your electricity bill, especially if you use the air conditioning very often.

Although you can reduce energy consumption by buying low energy and more environmentally friendly appliances, there are easier and more accessible alternative to save on electricity bills without spending much money.

Here are a few tips to save energy over the coming months, to cool down your home while reducing your energy bills.

It will be better for the planet and for your pocket as well!

# 1 Take advantage of windows

When you leave home, during the hours when the hot sun strikes, close all curtains and blinds, use awnings or sunshades, in order to block the entry of hot rays. Your home will remain cooler for longer. It seems logical, but often we forget to make small gestures that, as they become a habit, can save you about 30% energy. Try placing tall plants near windows to help create more shade. At the end of the day, when the air is cooler, open all windows allowing the evening breeze to enter and the air to circulate and cool down the entire house.

# 2 Save on Air Conditioning

Did you know that you save up to 10% energy by adjusting you air conditioning temperature in just one degree? Turn off the air conditioning may not be a good option for when the house temperature raises it will take more energy to re-cool the atmosphere, so the ideal is to maintain the house cool enough. Opt for an automatic thermostat that can be programmed ahead or air conditioning units with energy saving option, turning on and off to maintain the temperature.

Make sure to do an annual maintenance to keep the air conditioning units clean and replace filters, as accumulated dirt hinders the passage of air, forcing the system and increasing energy consumption. Tubes and ventilators should be examined to ensure that the entire installation is correctly sealed. A leak in the system may prevent the unit from working properly, wasting energy and money.

# 3 Close the doors

Whenever you turn on the air conditioning, you should close the doors in the rooms you want to cool down, to reduce the unit’s effort and cool the room more easily. The smaller the unit’s effort, the lower is energy consumption and higher the savings on electricity bills.

# 4 Isolate the windows

Good thermal insulation is essential not only to keep the house warm in winter, but also to help maintain the house cool in summer. Regarding windows, the ideal is to prevent the temperature from going through the glass, using exterior blinds, shutters or awnings. Opt for reflective materials, thermal insulated and light-colored. Placing heavy drapes over certain windows, that are more exposed to sunlight, can also help maintain the house cooler, hindering the entry of sunbeams.

# 5 Use fans

During the less hot days try plugging a fan and you will see that it is a very good alternative to save energy, reserving the air conditioner just for those extremely hot days. Some fans are positioned well enough to keep the air circulating throughout the house. Try placing a bowl of ice cubes in front of a fan: as the ice melts and water evaporates, you can sense the freshness in the air.

# 6 Install energy saving light bulbs

Some light bulbs act as authentic sources of heat, contributing to overheat a space. Replace your old light bulbs with more energy efficient models. Compact fluorescent bulbs use less energy and provide a brighter light than incandescent bulbs and less heat than halogen bulbs. Whenever you can, choose LED bulbs that last longer and consume less energy, which can lead to nice long-term savings.

# 7 Turn off lights and electrical appliances

It may seem basic, but one of the simplest ways to save energy is to not turning on the lights so many times, taking advantage of the longer days during summer season. Prefer to let the natural light illuminate your house to reduce power consumption and keep the house cooler.

Minimize indoors generated heat by avoiding connecting too many devices simultaneously, such as lamps, household appliances, televisions and computers, which are also sources of heat. Cease using the dryer and enjoy the sun to dry clothes in no time and without wasting energy.

# 8 Avoid using the oven

Apart from consuming a lot of energy, the oven is most likely the largest source of heat in your home. During the summer choose cooking dishes that not involving using the oven, using the microwaves or grill instead. Put lids on pots and pans while cooking, to prevent the dissemination of heat and steam.

If you really need to use the oven, opt for cooking in the earlier morning hours when the weather is cooler, while airing the house to avoid turning on the air conditioning.

# 9 Take shorter and cooler showers

During the summer, avoid taking long baths or showers which release steam and heat through the house. When showering, keep the water temperature slightly colder, reducing heat and saving energy. A water heating system with no reservoir will allow you to heat only the water you need and not a whole tank.

# 10 Spend more time outdoors

The summer calls to go out and enjoy the warmer weather. Hit the beach or go to a pool near you, practice exercise, take a walk or simply enjoy hanging out on a terrace. These outdoor activities are good for your mind, your body and your pocket. Every minute spent away from home is a minute you save energy.

The warm nights are perfect for outdoor dining with family and friends in your garden, balcony or terrace. Instead of turning the lights on, light some candles to get a nice cozy environment. There are scented or repellent candles that help to keep insects away.