7 Ways To Conserve Energy This Summer

The weather is heating up and that means higher energy bills for most of us. We’re running our air conditioning more often, using fans, and filling up pools. So how can we conserve energy this summer while also staying cool?

Check Your Air Conditioning

It’s always a good idea to check your HVAC system seasonally to make sure it’s working the way it should. That system needs regular maintenance to stay energy efficient and function properly!

If you don’t have central air conditioning and use window units instead, make sure to check their filters and window seals to ensure you’re getting the most out of them this summer.

Change Air Filters

Changing your HVAC system’s air filter seasonally is an easy way to make sure your home is running more efficiently. Replacing a dirty air filter with a clean one can improve your air conditioning efficiency by up to 15%.

If you tend to have more dust in your home or pets that shed heavily in the summer months, check your air filter monthly.

Try Using Fans

While it’s tempting to drop the temperature on your thermostat with air conditioning, consider using fans also. Using standing, box, or ceiling fans can help drop the temperature in your home enough to where you don’t need to constantly adjust the air conditioning setting.

Optimize Your Thermostat

According to the Department of Energy,  setting your thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer months can save you up to 10% in energy costs annually. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider upgrading!

Switch To Low Flow Fixtures

Air conditioning isn’t the only reason energy costs spike in the summer, we tend to use more water as well. Switching to low-flow toilets, shower heads, and outdoor sprinklers is a simple way to reduce your home’s water usage.

Avoid The Oven

One of the fastest ways to heat up your home in the summer is by using your stovetop and oven. Fortunately, summer is the perfect time to cook outside! 

Use your grill as much as possible and small appliances like air fryers, instant pots, and slow cookers to create meals during the hotter months.

Seal Your Home

Checking the seals around windows and doors isn’t always something we think about in warm weather, but it’s just as important now as it is in the winter months. 

Prevent air leaks using caulk and weather stripping to avoid having cool air seep out of your home all summer long.

Advanced Solar Is Here To Help

One of the best ways to save on your energy bill year-round is by switching to solar energy.

Have questions about how switching to solar energy works and if it’s the best choice for you? We’re here to answer your questions and help you find the best solution!

Originally published in 2022, this article has been updated to include the most relevant information available.