Running our everyday appliances in the summer months can contribute to the heat we feel in our homes. During these months, we often strive to keep ourselves and our houses cool without making our energy bills go through the roof. Adjusting the way we use our appliances inside the house can help you turn down the heat during the hottest parts of the day. Find ways to use less appliances with these tips.
- Avoid using the oven. On the really hot days, utilize the stove and microwave for meals. Or opt for a summertime favorite, grilling outside.
- Use efficient lighting options by looking for light bulbs that use less energy and emit less heat than incandescent bulbs. Turn off your lights when you are away, sleeping, or when you don’t really need them. Take advantage of sunlight and open the blinds.
- Wash only full loads of laundry or dishes. If you want to save even more energy, consider letting dishes and clothes air dry. Don’t run these appliances consistently, try to space out your loads.
- Take short showers instead of baths. Make sure to turn on the exhaust fan in your bathroom to remove moisture from the air that causes humidity.
- Minimize activities that generate a lot of heat such as running a computer, burning an open flame, or using curling irons/straighteners.
Unplug appliances and any other items that use an outlet when they are not in use. Some appliances such as microwaves and washing machines have a “standby” mode, which means they are still using energy even when not in use.
Using these tips on a daily basis can save you money in the long run and keep you comfortable as you escape the summer heat. Remember to also have a professional perform preventative maintenance on your HVAC unit. Ensuring your unit is in working condition can save you from costly repairs and prevent a broken AC. Call Nelson’s Heating and Cooling at (757) 566-3052 for more energy saving tips and preventative maintenance packages.
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