12 Energy Saving Tips for Summer

I'm still in shock that it's already May but Summer is just around the corner!  So I'm literally doing the biggest happy dance over here.  But as the temperatures rise so do the bills, right?!?!  I wanted to share some ideas with you on how to save on your energy bills.  You don't want to sweat it out in your house but you also don't want to pay as much as your house payment to your electric company. Here are some tips and tricks so you can stay cool and keep those extra bucks in your pocket.

1. Pitch in as a family.

The most obvious way to save a few pennies is to make sure everyone is doing their part to save electricity by turning off lights & unplugging electronics.  Even teach your kids from an early age to turn off lights behind them, turn off the tv when they walk out of the room, and to close doors when walking outside.

2. Unplug electronics not in use.

Did you know that when you leave items plugged in they still suck energy and use power, known as Vampire Energy?  Unplug those devices or for an easier trick just us a power strip and flip the switch on it when not using those items.

3. Change your filter

It's a cheap solution to change your air filters.  The dirtier they are, the harder your system has to work and that costs you more money.  Schedule an air filter exchange in your calendar so you don't get behind.

4. Use LED Light Bulbs

LED Light bulbs use 84% less energy and last 25x longer so it may seem like a big initial investment but it's worth it in the long run.

5. Clean the lint trap in dryer.

It's so easy to throw everything in the dryer, set it and run off.  But don't forget the simple step of cleaning the lint trap every single time so your dryer can work most efficiently.  If it's efficient it will dry faster which means less use and a lower bill.  Don't forget to clean the vent a few times a year for the same reason.  Plus a plugged vent is a fire hazard.

6. Reduce water heater temp from 140 degrees to 120 degrees.  

Your water heater is one of the most costly appliances in your home so lower the temp a bit to lower your bill.  Also when you go out of town lower it even further.

7. Program your thermostat

Setting your A/C to go on and off at set times can really save you some money.   You can program it to go up when you are away from home and in the middle of the night when you are sleeping.

8. Grill instead of use the kitchen

Cooking in the kitchen is one of the fastest ways to heat up the house.  If you're heating up the house internally then your A/C is going to run longer and thus cost you more money.  Since the weather is warm outside do your cooking on the grill so you don't add any heat inside.  I've even placed my crockpot in the garage so it heats up the garage and not my kitchen.

9.  Wash in cold water

Using hot water in the dish washer and washing machine can be costing you a ton of money.  There are several types of loads that don't need to be washed in hot water.  There are even soaps that allow you to switch to cold water.

10. Use high-energy devices at low-cost times when the energy rates are lower.

You have to get smart about when you are running high- energy devices like the dishwasher, washer, dryer, pool equipment, and A/C.  When it's cooler outside like very early morning or late evening then the energy rates are lower at those times.  Take advantage of lower rates to run your high energy devices.

11. Smart & Timed Lighting

Although you've reminded everyone about turning everything off when they leave the room or house there may be times when someone forgets.  Smart & timed lighting can solve that problem because you can control the smart items with an app on your phone.  It also will save money for times that you are out of town.  Typically you would have to leave specific lights on 24/7 while you are gone but with smart lighting you can time them to come on and off when you want.

12.  Close blinds in the day while away

Keeping all your blinds closed while away will keep your house much cooler and so the A/C will need to run less.

I want to encourage you to follow at least one tip and do your thing in saving energy and saving MONEY!  Small changes can make a big difference. To find other ideas and ways to "Do Your Thing"  click HERE.