Solar lover or not, there are many beneficial and easy ways to save energy. Here are some simple, yet effective, ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home, as recommended by Energy.gov, while still keeping all your favorite creature comforts.
- Check your air conditioning unit – Take an overall assessment of your AC unit and see it’s working well. Each spring is also a great time to check and clean your ACs evaporator coil. This allows the system to run optimally. Check the air filter, too, and replace it if necessary. (Note – air filters should be changed about twice per year, maybe more.)
- Open windows on nice days – A cool breeze not only feels nice, but it brings in a breath of fresh air and allows you to cool your house naturally. Allowing the outside breezes to flow in will make your home feel fresh and nice while also saving energy.
- Install ceiling fans – Ceiling fans help with shifting stagnant air as well as offering aid with your energy bills. Also, sleeping with a ceiling fan has been recognized as a healthier option than without because it offers peaceful white noise, temperature control, and air circulation as you dream
- Cook outside when you can – Cooking and baking raise the temperature in your kitchen substantially. Take it outside on mild days for a change of pace and to save some money. Grilling and smoking can be a fun hobby too!
- Use window treatments – Some window treatments are specifically designed to keep the warmth inside in the winter and the coolness in the summer. Energy efficient window treatments can be a beautiful addition to your home while also helping to minimize your energy bills. Plus, when that summer heat gain hits, they’ll really come in handy.
- Caulk air leaks, and seal ducts – seal up the cracks in your home to prevent air loss in these drafty areas. Energy.gov says “Air loss through ducts can lead to high electricity costs, accounting for nearly 30 percent of a cooling system’s energy consumption.” This means sealing and insulating ducts will go a long way when in terms of energy savings.
- Bring in the sun – During the day, allow the sunlight to brighten your home. Keep your lights off as much as possible during the day, and if you’re building a new home, consider installing skylights for even more of a benefit.
- Turn on your bathroom fans – Bathroom fans help to suck out heat and humidity from your home, which improves overall comfort. It’s wise to have the fans going whenever you shower to also help prevent mold growth.
- Pay attention to the thermostat – Many smart thermostats will go into “eco mode” while you’re away from the home, but you can still do this manually if you don’t have that feature. Set your thermostat a little higher in the summer or a little lower in the winter while you’re away. This alone can cut your costs about 10 percent.
When you’re ready to take your energy needs to the ultimate next level, a quality solar power system is a great choice. Contact Four Seasons Solar to ensure you get the highest quality system in Utah.
