1. Invest in a smart power-strip.
Take a quick look around your house. Do you have a TV? A microwave? A coffee maker? Are they all plugged in? If so, they’re using power, even if they are turned off. This is called stand-by power, and over time, the cost of keeping all your appliances plugged in can add up. The easiest way to solve this problem is unplugging your electronics when they aren’t in use, which is a difficult habit to get into. Or, you can also invest in smart power-strips. These gadgets automatically cut the stand-by power to devices when they’re not in use.
2. Mind the gap.
If you use an air conditioner to keep your house cool, try to keep the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures as small as possible. Lowering the temperature on your thermostat forces your AC unit to work harder and stay on longer as it tries to adjust. 78˚ is usually the ideal temperature for peak energy savings when it’s a hot day outside. If the temperature is soaring into the 90s and you set your thermostat to 68˚, chances are your indoor temperature will never get that low, but your AC unit will be working a lot harder in the process.
3. Save in the shade.
When it comes to saving energy in the summer, the shadier you can make your house, the better. Direct sunshine will cause your home to heat up, forcing your AC or fans to work overtime to keep everything cool. If you have a garden, plant trees and other thick foliage on the west side of your house. Keep in mind that deciduous trees work great all year; they’ll keep your house shaded in the summer, but when they lose their leaves, the warming sunlight can still get through in cooler months. If you have an apartment, you can hang plants in front of your windows. They’ll appreciate the sunshine, and you’ll appreciate the savings. Don’t have a green thumb? Shades or blinds will work in a pinch. Keep them closed during the afternoon and when you’re not in the house.
4. Burn the midnight oil…er, gas.
If you can, limit the use of major appliances like dish washers and ovens to late in the evening or early in the morning. There are two excellent reasons to make this change. First, some energy prices are lower during off-peak hours, generally between noon- 6:00pm. Second, major appliances not only consume large amounts of energy, they also produce heat. Adding more heat to your home during the daytime will make it harder for your AC unit to cool everything down.
5. Get outta there!
The surest way to lower your energy bill is to spend some time away from home. You can turn off the lights and let your AC take a break. So this summer, unplug the computer, close the blinds, and get out of the house. Take advantage of these beautiful longer days to walk, bike, swim, visit friends, and enjoy the sun—all while racking up your energy savings!