Small Changes You Can Make Around Your Home for Big Savings on Energy Usage & Utility Costs This Summer
Summer sun makes beach days, pool time, and barbecues with friends and family enjoyable, but it also means heat and humidity. Many homeowners rely on their utilities, such as air conditioning, water heaters, and electric fans, to stay cool during the summer months. While these items make your home more comfortable during warm weather, they can also cause a spike in energy usage and utility bills. Luckily, you can use many simple swaps and methods to reduce your energy usage and save money this summer. In this blog, we will list the most effective ways to make your home more energy efficient and affordable.
Why Do Home Utilities Cost More During the Summer?
During the summer, homeowners usually notice that their utility bills, such as electric and gas, increase. This is usually because of the increased use of air conditioning units, electric fans, and other appliances to stay cool. Additionally, many homeowners may notice their hot water bills increasing as they use more water to take showers and baths in order to cool off or clean themselves from beach visits and outdoor activities.
How to Save on Energy Usage & Utility Costs This Summer
If you begin to notice that your utility bills are getting higher, there are many simple ways you can reduce energy consumption and save money. Some of these methods include:
Installing Ceiling Fans
Compared to most air conditioning systems, ceiling fans use far less energy. Installing ceiling fans throughout your home can help reduce the amount of energy consumption and keep you cool while saving money.
Swap Out Your Lightbulbs for LED Bulbs
LED bulbs are more energy-efficient than traditional lightbulbs and can help save on electricity costs. Additionally, LED bulbs can last up to 25 times longer than traditional bulbs, making them an excellent choice for reducing energy consumption and long-term cost savings.
Take Cold Showers
A cost-effective way to keep cool during the summer is by taking cold showers. Although this may sound unappealing, cold showers can help lower your body temperature quickly without using any energy. An easy way to quickly get used to cold showers is by gradually decreasing the temperature each time.
Turn Off the Lights When You Leave a Room
Although this is something that many people do, it can still be beneficial to turn off the lights when you leave a room. This simple action can help decrease energy consumption and save money.
Install Automatic-Timed Landscape Lighting
Installing a timer for your outdoor lighting can help save energy and reduce utility costs. Many timers have motion sensors that will turn on the lights when someone approaches and turn them off after a certain amount of time.
Unplug Unused Appliances
Even when appliances are turned off, they can still use energy. To save on energy costs, unplug unused items such as phone chargers, toaster ovens, hair dryers, and other tools you may not use frequently.
Hand-Wash Dishes
When the weather is hot, many people turn to their dishwashers for convenience. However, this can cause an increase in water and energy usage. To save on utility bills, try hand washing your dishes to reduce energy consumption.
Avoid Opening and Closing Your Refrigerator Too Often
When you open and close your refrigerator door, cool air escapes. To reduce energy consumption, try to minimize the number of times you open the refrigerator door.
Replace Your Home's Insulation
Another way to increase energy efficiency and reduce costs is by replacing the insulation in your home. Replacing old insulation with new, thicker material can help keep warm and cool air out. This will reduce the amount of energy used to keep your home cool during the summer months.
Contact Absolute Energy Solutions for Insulation & Air-Sealing Services for Increased Home Efficiency & Lower Utility Costs in Massachusetts
At Absolute Energy Solutions, we help homeowners find ways to reduce their energy consumption and utility costs. Our team of experts offers insulation and air-sealing services that will make your home more efficient and cost-effective. As a Mass Save partner, we will also help you take advantage of available rebates and incentives. If you would like to learn more about how we can make your home more energy efficient, visit our website or give us a call today at 888-577-0944.
