How to Save Energy in the Summer

It’s hot out here!

Seriously, it’s really hot! So hot, Pocahontas can’t walk on the ground because the pavement is burning her wittle (little) paws.

Summertime is when our electricity bill gets a huge boost (a con for home dwellers, but a pro for the electicity companies).

According to Power Home Renovating Group, “If every American home replaced just one light with an ENERGY STAR light, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, about $700 million in annual energy costs, and prevent 9 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions per year, equivalent to the emissions of about 800,000 cars.” In itself, that gives me the drive I needed to make changes in the way I use energy (and a smaller energy bill persuades me, too).

Here are some more super easy ways to save energy while beating the heat that anyone can start doing today!

• Install a programmable thermostat
• Turn your thermostat up
  • 78 degrees fahrenheit or higher
• Close your curtains and shades (especially during the day)
• Use your ceiling fans
• Use portable fans
• Lay off the large appliances or use them more efficiently
  • Full cloths washer and dishwasher loads only
  • Use appliances only at night
  • Run them at night only
  • Wash clothes in cold water
• Go with Energy Star appliances and electrical equipment
• Keep your lights off as often as possible (especially when not at home)
• Unplug electrical equipment when not in use and when leaving home
  • Use surge protectors and turn them off when the equipment plugged into it is not in use
• Install CFLs (compact florescent lights)
• Save on hot water (and energy) by installing a low-flow showerhead
• Set water heater to 120 degrees fahrenheit
• Take shorter showers

Do you suffer with high electricity bills? Have you implemented any of the above energy saving methods above, lately?

Till next time,

XOXO