Many homeowners talk about saving energy when they see the amount of their monthly electric bill but after the shock is over and the bill is paid, they get back to their everyday business and forget about it until the next bill arrives. With summer well on its way, the smart homeowner will get serious about developing and implementing an effective Summer Energy Savings Plan. The cost of air conditioning can take a major bite out of the family budget otherwise.
First look around your home and check it for simple maintenance issues that need attention and quick/ easy repairs. Fix leaky pipes; wrap insulation around unprotected pipes in areas exposed to air and cold; caulk openings in foundation or outer walls where cables and wires enter the house; caulk windows and update weather stripping on outside doors; close fireplace damper; put shade or drapes on windows in direct sunlight and keep filters clean.
If you like to cook and spend a lot of time in the kitchen, there are dozens of tips for savings energy in ways both large and small while preparing meals for your family. If you do not already have them, replace old appliances when you can with new ENERGY STAR® or ENERGY GUIDE® labeled energy efficient ones for the most Energy Savings. Set your dishwasher on economy mode, if it has one. Set your refrigerator on energy save, if it has this setting. Wait until your dishwasher is full to run a wash load. Turn it off after the wash cycle is complete. Let the dishes air dry instead of using the energy to run the heated dry cycle.
Keep the oven door closed when you are baking as one quarter of the heat escapes when it is opened. Grill out more often during the summer or use the microwave to cook as it uses have the power of your stove or range top. Keep the reflector pans under stove burners clean so they will reflect heat upward when you cook. Cooking in copper-bottom pans uses heat more efficiently. Match your cooking pot size to the burner you use it on to avoid energy and heat waste. Make sure pot lids fit snuggly. All of these ideas contribute to energy savings. The cumulative effect adds up to a total that will definitely be reflected in money savings on your monthly electric bill. Combined with the HVAC Energy Savings Home Energy Savings previously discussed, these will make a great start to your Summer Energy Savings Plan.