Five Surprising Ways to Save on Energy Expenses This Summer

Summer is here. This means air conditioning season is also here. Energy reduction not only saves money on energy expenses, but also reduces your carbon footprint. Most people know that sealing air leaks in windows and doors can reduce energy costs to cool your home up to 20% and make your home more comfortable. But what else can you do? Here are five surprising ways to save on energy expenses this summer:

Program Your Thermostat to Reduce Energy Expenses When You Are Not Home

While programmable thermostats are fairly common, nearly 40% of programmable thermostat owners do not use the programming features. People with a regular work or school schedule can reduce energy usage by programming the thermostat to turn on the air conditioner at higher temperatures when they are not home and a comfortable temperature, such as 78 degrees Fahrenheit, when they are home. People with more unpredictable schedules can invest in a smart thermostat that can be controlled remotely through a smartphone app. This allows the thermostat to sense when the resident is returning home rather than adhering to a pre-programmed schedule. Either technology reduces energy use by running the air conditioning less frequently when no one is home.

Use Air Circulation to Reduce Energy Expenses When You Are Home

Ceiling fans make the air feel cooler on the skin due to a wind chill effect. This can allow you to set your thermostat as much as ten degrees warmer while making you feel just as cool. Leaving interior doors open when you have central air conditioning promotes air circulation and prevents air pressure imbalances that make the air conditioning system less efficient.

Use Natural Cooling to Reduce Energy Expenses at Night

You can also save electricity, and the associated energy expenses, by turning off the air conditioner at night and opening a window. The night air will cool the air inside the house. This cool air can be trapped inside the house in the morning when the windows are closed. By closing curtains or blinds after sunrise, you can reduce energy expenses even more.

Select and Use the Right Appliances to Reduce Energy Expenses

Energy Star appliances meet standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These products save energy, reduce energy costs, and reduce carbon emissions. Using these products in a smart way, such as running heat-generating appliances like ovens, clothes dryers, and dishwashers during the evening, night, or morning hours, can reduce energy expenses even more.

Use the Landscaping and Exterior of Your Home to Reduce Energy Expenses

Lighter color roofing materials and exterior paint can reduce the amount of heat absorbed from sunlight and, thus, save electricity needed to cool the interior of the home. Shade trees can reduce energy expenses even more by reducing the amount of sunlight hitting the house. Not only will you save on energy costs to cool your home, shade trees and appropriate painting can reduce your carbon footprint by 2.4 tons of CO2 emissions per year. Shade trees actually create a negative carbon footprint by absorbing 25 pounds of CO2 from the air per year.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of how to reduce energy use and there are many sources of information with more tips. Applying just a few of these suggestions can reduce energy use, reduce energy expenses, and reduce carbon footprint.

Surprising Ways to Save Energy This Summer: Tips For Families

Summertime's soaring temperatures might be a welcome relief from the frigid winter -- but they aren't always good news. Although the sky stays lighter later, our bills tend to spike during the summer months due to air conditioner use. But conserving energy (and lowering your bills) might be easier than you think. Here are some ways to save energy that you might never have considered.

• Fill up the fridge: Every time you open your refrigerator or freezer, the warm air rushes in and quickly replaces the cool air inside. That means your fridge needs to use more power to get those temperatures back down. Of course, this is why you should keep those doors closed (and never stand in front of them, deep in thought!) whenever possible. But it also helps if you don't have a lot of empty space, as that can allow more warm air to find its way in. This isn't to say that you should fill your fridge with food that will only spoil; that's a waste of money and resources, for sure. But it'll help if you can pack your freezer tightly with items you know your family will consume and that you keep extra bottles of water in your fridge to take up space. As long as these items won't go to waste, this can help with your conservation efforts.

• Plant a tree (or several): The landscaping on your property can actually help you save electricity, providing you put some thought into it. By strategically planting trees around your home and even surrounding your air conditioner, you can provide some additional shade and thereby reduce the heat that gets into your home. Plus, the shade from trees can conserve up to 2.4 tons of CO2 emissions every year! You'll need to keep the position of your property in mind to make the most of this. Be sure to consult with a professional landscaper to ensure your chosen trees will block out sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.

• Take a cool, short shower: A short shower is typically better than a long bath in terms of water waste. And a cool shower definitely snags the top spot for saving energy. When it's already hot outside, taking a cool shower can feel like sweet relief. But it can also do wonders for your pocket book and your conservation goals! Your hot water heater won't have to work nearly as hard, which means you'll save money and reduce your energy use. Since the water is cooler, you probably won't want to take a long shower anyway, which will save you more on your water bills.

• Use fans thoughtfully: You might assume that switching on a ceiling fan doesn't allow you to save electricity. But actually, it's much more energy efficient than relying on your central cooling system. In fact, you'll actually be able to raise your thermostat setting by a few degrees and still stay comfortable, since your ceiling fan will help keep you cool. Just remember to turn off those fans once you leave the room you're in. The fan cools you, not the room, which means it's not beneficial to keep it on when no one's home.
• Switch up your cooking routine: Baking can be cozy in winter, but you'll want to avoid it in summer if you want to keep your home cool. Instead, use a microwave, a solar cooker, an outdoor propane grill, or a halogen oven. These methods are generally more efficient and will keep your home a lot cooler. No one wants to slave over a hot stove on a hot day! You may even want to adopt some elements of a raw diet for the summer, which will keep temperatures cooler and can allow your body to absorb even more nutrients. The more bearable you can make your kitchen, the happier you'll be (and the lower bills won't hurt, either).

We hope these tips will help you reach your green goals this summer and will make your family feel much more comfortable when at home. To find out more about reducing your energy use, please contact us today.

How Can Homeowners Save On Energy Costs in Summer?

How Can Homeowners Save On Energy Costs in Summer?

With warm and sunny weather just around the corner, homeowners should be thinking about how to save on cooling costs and energy use this Summer. Contrary to popular belief, saving energy doesn't have to be difficult! By working with a sustainable residential energy provider and doing a few things to reduce energy at home, homeowners can significantly cut back on energy use. To help you get started, this article is going to discuss a few easy ways to reduce energy costs at home this summer.

1. Open the windows. While many people are tempted to crank up the air conditioner as soon as it gets warm out, this obviously increases energy use. Instead, homeowners should consider opening windows. Not only does this allow for some fresh air to get in the house after being closed off all winter, but it will allow for a cross-breeze and will naturally cool down the house. If homeowners do choose to crank up the AC, they should ensure they speak with their residential energy provider about heating and cooling costs.
2. Keep the curtains closed. When the sun is out, most homeowners enjoy keeping their curtains and blinds open to let the sun into their home. However, this added heat inside the home can lead homeowners to crank up the AC. So by keeping window treatments closed, homeowners can reduce heat gain as the temperature gets warmer. This is one of the easiest ways to save energy and add a little decor to a home as well.
3. Plant some trees. Summer is a great time to get some gardening done. And guess what? Planting trees can even help you reduce cooling costs! Shade trees and even appropriate painting can help homeowners reduce energy use and save up to 2.4 tons of CO2 emissions each year. Furthermore, each tree that's planted absorbs about 25 pounds of CO2 each year as well. So not only will homeowners have nice trees in their yard, but they'll enjoy reduced energy costs as well.
4. Have the AC unit serviced. As the temperature rises, the AC unit will inevitably be turned on. After sitting idle for the winter months, air conditioner units will have to kick it into overdrive to cool the house down. By getting their AC unit serviced, homeowners can ensure their unit is running as efficiently as possible. If the filters are clogged or parts are going bad, the inefficient unit will increase energy costs. But a little regular maintenance can help homeowners with their energy reduction and keep their house cool.
5. Cook dinner outside. With warm weather comes those yummy summer foods like burgers and hot dogs. But instead of cooking them inside, homeowners should consider grilling out. Not only will they get to enjoy the nice warm weather, but they'll keep the heat out of their homes and save electricity by choosing to grill out instead. In doing this, homeowners will be saving energy and getting yummy food, so it's a win-win.

Summer is a great time to start reducing energy use. With it being not too cold or not too hot, there are plenty of opportunities for homeowners to take advantage of the mild weather and not use their cooling systems too frequently. By working with their residential energy provider and making a few simple changes at home, homeowners can reduce their energy use, their energy bills, and do their part in saving the planet at the same time.

6 Easy Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill

As a homeowner or renter, it is always a good idea to look for ways to cut bills. Not only will it save you money, but it will prevent the waste of power. Becoming energy efficient is a trend, so following these tips can help you cut your electric bill. 

Choke Your Chimney 

If you don't use your fireplace then why don't you seal your chimney? This way you will not be paying for heat or air conditioning to be wasted by going up into the sky. Plus, you will get an immediate payback from this investment. 

Put All Your Electronics On Stand By 

Sometimes your appliances use energy when they are not even in use. Make sure to get rid of these power-sucking vampires by ensuring all of your electronics are on stand by when not in use. Or better yet, just unplug them after you are done using them. 

Get New Light Bulbs 

This may be the easiest solution yet. Many energy suppliers offer energy efficient light bulbs that you can put in your house to save money and limit waste. This alternative electricity for your home is a great step towards making your home 'green'. Just make sure you get the soft white light bulbs as they look more natural.

Maintain Your Heating and Cooling System 

In theory, you should maintain your HVAC system twice a year. This way you can ensure it is clean and working efficiently. Also, during the inspection the power suppliers will be able to locate any leaks that could be running your bill sky high. If you are need of a new HVAC system, contact alternative electric companies in order to talk about different methods of being energy efficient. 

Use The Sun To Your Advantage 

Don't want to turn the heat on during that off-season cold day? Then open all your windows and blinds and let the sun shine in! The sun will warm up your home and it won't cost you a single penny! 

Check Your Electric Bills 

Check and compare your electric bill regularly. There is a possibility you are living in one of the nation's deregulated energy markets, which means that you can choose different energy suppliers if you are unhappy with your service. It never hurts to check!

Beat the Summer Heat Without the Big Energy Bill

Americans look forward to summer vacation all year, but the warmer weather can also bring it's own set of challenges. The heat is great for a beach vacation, but it also makes the average energy bill go through the roof. Air conditioning represents the largest use of electricity in American homes, and that statistic is unlikely to change with the record high temperatures that the United States has already seen this year. Alternative energy companies encourage consumers to think differently about their power suppliers for environmental reasons, but there are also economic advantages involved.

Three Ways Homeowners can Slim Down Their Summer Electricity Bills:

Install a programmable thermostat

Even before alternative electricity suppliers become involved, homeowners can reduce their summer spending by installing and programming a smart thermostat. This appliance can maintain your desired room temperature to keep you comfortable. Heating and cooling systems will kick on and off as needed, rather than working continuously. 

Motivated homeowners can even set temperature changes according to time of day, so that their system isn't burning energy to keep the house cool while everyone is away at work. The result is an efficient heating and cooling system that expends less energy. Programmable thermostats save consumers an average of 10% on their yearly energy bills. 

Update your appliances

Alternative energy companies often suggest an energy audit, or an appliance-by-appliance look at where your home uses electricity. Out dated TVs and old refrigerators can be significant drains on your energy bank. It may be more cost effective to replace those appliances than to pay for their inefficiency. For instance, modern refrigerators are 60% less expensive than they were in 1975, and they use 75% less energy. 

This means you can abandon that weird ice cave in the back of the freezer and save. Heating and cooling systems are especially big drains, so think about your hot water heater, oven, and microwave in addition to your fridge. Updating appliances is a great way to slim your energy bill before you consider alternative energy companies.

Consider alternative power companies

The energy market is slowly shifting and becoming more competitive.  Previously, regulated markets meant that only one power provider supplied all aspects of a home's energy and the cost was controlled publicly. Deregulated markets allow companies to become innovative and compete to offer the best services for the best price. The deregulation of electricity markets isn't about making the power supply less controlled; it's about letting new technology improve the market. Look into your options and decide what's best for your energy needs. 

Summer is upon us and it's going to be a hot one! Before you crank up your AC, take a look at these simple tips for conserving energy this season.

Six Ways to Conserve Energy:

Use a Programmable Thermostat: Did you know that the largest use of electricity in the United States’ residential sector is air conditioning? AC accounts for 19% of electricity use in homes. However, you can save approximately 10% every year on heating and cooling costs simply by using a programmable thermostat.

Replace your HVAC Filters: When an HVAC system is not functioning properly, it must work even harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Replacing the filters is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your system running smoothly. Some energy companies and power suppliers offer incentives for installing high-efficiency systems, so talk to your electric company.

Keep it Shady: Your house doesn't have to be a dark cave, but too much sunlight will heat up your living space quickly. Insulated drapes and blinds will keep the sun at bay, preventing the interior of your home from becoming an oven. This way, you won’t have to crank up the AC at all times.

Use Cold Water/Limit Hot Water Usage: Heating water accounts for up to 18% of a home’s utility bills. You can save energy just by washing your clothes in cold water and cutting down your shower time.

Air Dry Laundry and Dishes: Rather than wasting energy on machine-drying clean clothes and dishes, hang your laundry on a line or drying rack and allow your dishes to dry on their own.

Unplug Chargers and Other Devices: Some chargers and other electronic devices continue to draw power even when they are not in use. Always unplug anything that does not need electrical power at that very moment.

We use a lot more electricity than we realize these days. In fact, U.S. electricity use in 2013 was more than 13 times higher than electricity use in the year 1950.  Fortunately, those who live in deregulated energy markets have options. 

The deregulation of electricity markets gives consumers a choice of energy suppliers. Deregulated energy markets can motivate suppliers to help offer competitive prices and can also allow for the institution of renewable energy companies that provide green energy products. As a result, consumers can help cut costs and do their part to improve the environment, especially during the hot summer months.

Alternative Energy - Now And In The Future

Alternative energy sources such as solar and wind have become more a part of our lives as advancing technology has made them increasingly viable. Energy industry deregulation has enabled these renewable energy companies to enter the market and compete with traditional power suppliers.

But how does it affect us as individuals and consumers? As alternative electricity for your business or home becomes price-competitive, you'll begin to consider the advantages of switching over. In the meantime, there are a number of interim ways to cut your energy costs. One that has become increasingly common is the smart meter. Around 50 million smart meters of them have been installed on homes across the United States. That represents about 43% of total residences.

About 19% of your home electricity bill is the cost of air conditioning. Simply installing a programmable thermostat can reduce that expense by approximately 10% every year. Another major factor affecting how much you pay is your water heater, which accounts for 14 to 18% of your total utility bill. Try turning off its breaker when you're asleep or at work. If that results in significant savings, consider buying a water heater timer.

Usage varies by household, of course, but the average American's monthly electricity usage is 903 kilowatt hours. That translates to a bill of about $107. Before considering alternative energy sources, you'll need to know how much they will save you on an ongoing basis and how long it will take to amortize their cost of installation and/or equipment.

Over the next few years, we can expect to see increasing application of alternative energy sources as our society attempts to wean itself from the use of fossil fuels and coal to generate power. But even now, we should all endeavor to do what we can to reduce unnecessary use of electricity.

It just makes good sense, in terms of both our wallets and our environment.

How to Stay Cool This Summer Without Breaking the Bank

It seems like winter just ended, but -- depending on where in the country you live -- you might already be thinking about cranking up your air conditioning. With that, however, comes the high electric company bills most homeowners dread. The average American household uses 903 kilowatt hours of electricity each month and pays $107 per bill; however, if you’re a heavy air conditioning user in a region with high energy costs, you already know your bill can get much, much higher than that. And, of course, high energy use has broader implications as well. The U.S. used 13 times more electricity in 2013 than it did in 1950, and that’s a significant environmental concern. But with a few simple steps, you can moderate your energy usage this summer without sacrificing comfort, meaning you can stay cool without feeling guilty or anxious about the bills to come. Here are five do's and don’ts for maximizing your energy savings: 1.     DO: Use a Programmable Thermostat This may seem obvious, but it makes such a difference in energy conservation that it’s worth mentioning again. It’s estimated that a programmable thermostat can offer you a full 10% energy savings annually. 2.    DON’T: Use Unnecessary Heating You might think you’re not turning on the heat in the summer -- but are you baking, cooking on the stove or taking steamy showers? All that heat goes into your house, meaning your AC has to work overtime to keep the temperature down. Grilling is a great choice for more than one reason, but you could also use your microwave more or try to plan no-cook meals. 3.    DO: Look Into New Window Coverings The sun plays a significant role in heating up your house in the summer. Invest in solar screens, special curtains or new shades to keep it at bay. 4.    DON’T: Forget to Switch Your Fans One of the easiest summer energy solutions is giving your AC a hand with some simple household fans. But if your home does have ceiling fans, be sure to switch their direction. In the winter, fans should move clockwise to pull cool air up; in the summer, however, fans should move counterclockwise so that you feel a cool breeze blowing down. There's probably a switch on the side of your fan that you can flip to accomplish this. 5.    DO: Take Advantage of Cold Spots One easy way to get an energy reduction in your climate control use is to give up on getting your whole house the same temperature. Instead, take advantage of natural cool spots, such as the basement or rooms at the back of the house, and hang out there. How else might homeowners get some energy savings this summer while staying cool? Share your suggestions in the comments.