How to Save Energy in the Summer

Utility bills don't have to skyrocket just because the temperature does. These guidelines follow the recommendations of Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Clock Thermostats
• Awnings
• Shades
• Window Sun Screens

Summer Home Energy-Saving Checklist

1. Use exterior shades, awnings or deciduous plants to shelter your house from sunlight.

2. Keep your air conditioning condenser shaded.

3. Keep your furnace pilot light off during the summer.

4. Use pool covers to prevent heat loss by evaporation and to save energy.

5. Reduce pool water temperature and limit the number of months you heat your pool.

Daily Energy-Saving Tips

6. Close your windows whenever you're cooling your home.

7. Consider installing a programmable thermostat for your air conditioner, which will bring the temperature down in small increments when set in program mode.

8. Close off rooms that don't need cooling if you have individual room thermostat controls.

9. Clean air conditioner filters regularly.

10. Check regularly to see that your pool cleaning and heating equipment is clean and lubricated.

Tips & Warnings

• Programmable thermostats that automatically change settings during the day are available.

on 6/30/2006 You can buy residential windows tint from most home improvement stores. It comes as permanent or static stick on. I use it on my windows and it turns my house from a greenhouse to a nice shady hideout.

on 11/22/2005 Also, you can generally add small buckets, old watering cans, etc. with decorative plants and flowers outside in your flower beds, but in doing so, add another type of container holder to catch rain water for watering flowers when there isn't enough rain. This prevents using water hose as much. Plus, lots of flowers do best when watered only at base instead of sprayed with a hose. We usually keep big barrels to catch rain water and use it as an extra focal point at edge of flower garden with flowers climbing up and over it. Also, make sure blinds or curtains are pulled during day to keep sun out and reduce your air conditioner's load and reduce energy bills. S. Burd

on 11/22/2005 Try to dry all clothes on line. In early am, open windows to let cool air in; then shut them at least by 10am, or before sun starts beating down. Then you don't have to turn air conditioners or fans on as soon. Unless humidity is really high, don't run air conditioners or fans unless necessary anytime after dark. Re-open windows and let more cool air in again and then re-close them next day before sun comes out. Also, in summer you do not have to turn on any lights....watch and keep them off until after dark. Make sure if you are not watching tv., listening to radios, etc. to turn off after using. S. Burd

on 11/22/2005 Replace all light bulbs with 40-watt bulbs. Don't use your dryer unless necessary. Line dry. Put plastic safety plugs in unused outlets. Run dishwasher and washing machine at night. My bill was cut almost in half after trying this for 1 month.