Some helpful energy saving tips so you can go easy on your wallet, and easy on the planet this summer.

The summertime is the peak time for people to start racking up those expensive energy bills. This is understandable with the scorching heat and sometimes unbearable humidity that comes along with the summer months. All that being said, there are still plenty of ways you can cut down on your energy usage and cut down on that big numbered bill also.

Simple things like remembering to turn the lights off when you leave the house, and make sure all of the windows and doors are closed when the A/C is on, will help you save on your energy consumption and energy bills. Why pay more if you don’t have to? Summer is a time for fun in the sun and relaxation and we don’t want you stressing over these summer energy bills any more than you have to. Here are some tips to master energy efficiency and go easy on your wallet, and easy on the planet, this summer.

Closing the door when turning on the air condition

If your air conditioner has a timer function, utilize it! You don’t need to be using energy and keeping the house freezing cold when you’re not in it. Set the timer to go on about a half an hour before you think you will be arriving back home. That way the house is still cool when you get home but you didn’t waste nearly as much energy or spend extra money.

Make sure all door seals and window seals are properly sealed. Cracks will let the cool air leak out, wasting your precious energy.

On cool nights opt for opening up the windows or using the fan setting on your air conditioner. Also, do not leave windows open when the air conditioner is on. You’re watching your money and energy literally float right out of the window.

This may seem pretty basic knowledge but the lower you set your thermometer the more costly your bill is going to be. For example, National Grid states that a house set to 75 degrees costs about 18% more than a house set to 78 degrees. And that’s only a 3 degree difference!

Plug off the electric eqipment when you are out from home

Plug your electronic sources into power strips. When electronics are plugged in, even if they are turned off, they still consume energy. Turn off the power strip when you are not using the electronics or when you’re out of the house.

When it comes to refrigeration make sure the coils near the back of your refrigerator, and the fan vent, are clean. The compressor works harder and uses more energy when the coils are dirty.

If your refrigerator has a power saver mode use that on humid days. It will keep the fridge from sweating so much. Remember to switch it back off when it’s not humid.

Older appliances to use more energy so if you’ve been mulling over the idea that it may be time to upgrade your appliances then maybe now is that time. With so many new, energy efficient products on the market you’ll see a big difference in your energy bills after the conversion.

Longisland.com