How to Conserve Power in the Summer

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By Ruby Bayan, eHow Contributing Writer

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Conserve energy at home this summer.

Summer heat takes a huge toll on every homeowner's utility bills. By conserving power during the hottest months of the year (traditionally June through August), you can keep you and your house cool while saving a few precious dollars. Here are some simple energy efficient and power saving tips to get you through the heat.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Energy-efficient fluorescent lights
Outdoor thermometer

Energy Efficiency Tips

Step 1

Acquire the most efficient, energy-certified air conditioning units you can afford. Choose the right size for the area you intend to cool. Too large means you're wasting money; too small means it won't do the job or become overworked and quickly break down.
Step 2

Install compressors in shaded areas.

Install the cooling units where they won't be too exposed to heat or direct sunlight. Room air conditioners should be installed on north- or south-facing walls or windows. Central air conditioning compressors are best installed in shaded and protected areas.
Step 3

Clean and inspect all the cooling units every two years. Call a professional if necessary. Replace air filters regularly because clogged filters overwork air conditioners.
Step 4

Seal in the cold air. Check for leaks in the air ducts, air handlers, doors and windows. Use weather strips, caulks, sealants or draft guards when needed.
Step 5

Use ceiling fans.

Use ceiling fans to move the air and lower the temperature by as much as 10 degrees. The circulating air makes you feel cooler.
Step 6

Consider hanging shades.

Keep the heat out. Install shades, curtains or blinds on all windows (especially those facing east and west), and keep them closed during the hottest hours of the day. Ensure that your house is fully insulated, especially the attic where heat could seep down through the ceiling.
Step 7

Plant shade trees.

Plant shade trees to help cool the surroundings. Grass and other ground cover also help diffuse the light and heat of the sun.

Power Saving Tips

Step 1

Shut off cooling vents in rooms that you hardly use. Consider wall-mounted air conditioners for rooms you stay in for most of the day so that you don't have to cool the whole house unnecessarily.
Step 2

Set your thermostat to 78 degrees F. Each degree below this setting adds 6 percent to your cooling costs.
Step 3

Wear light clothing instead of lowering the air conditioner thermostat setting. Use light bed sheets instead of blankets.
Step 4

Run dishwashers, clothes dryers and other heat-generating appliances during the cooler hours of the day. Run them only on full capacity to optimize power usage.
Step 5

Open the refrigerator and freezer doors only when necessary. Decide on what you want to get before grabbing the door handle.
Step 6

Natural light.

Use natural lighting as much as possible. Choose fluorescent lights because they are cooler and more cost-efficient than incandescent lights.
Step 7

Check the weather and watch your outdoor thermometers. If there's a good breeze, open windows and vents and let Mother Nature be your air conditioner.

Comments

mvalora said

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on 8/22/2009 Great article on saving energy in the summer!

LisaSolution said

on 1/26/2009 I don't do heat well so last year I decided to be much more proactive about staying cool but not turning on the air conditioning unless I really needed it. I keep a couple of small gel packs in the freezer, each in a thick old (clean!) cotton sock. I take one or two to bed with me and sleep cool and comfy no matter how hot it is. A cool washcloth on the forehead and neck works wonders too at bed time or anytime. In the daytime you can put an ice cube in a bandana on the back of your neck and cool yourself down. Even though it gets pretty hot here in Sacramento I hardly had the air on at all and I felt better than ever last summer.