5 ways to save energy and stay cool this summer
1. Close your blinds!
Closing your blinds in the summer reduces radiant heat from the sun entering your house or office.
Even if you close the blinds only during peak sun hours this trick will help decrease the amount of radiant heating caused by the summer sun.
2. Set the thermostat to 78 degrees
Air conditioners will run at their optimal performance level when set at 78 degrees. Making it even 5 degrees lower will result in your AC using up to 40% more energy. Keep that thermostat at 78 degrees during the day and turn it down at night, to conserve the most energy.
3. Use passive cooling techniques
To reduce the need to turn on the AC try out some passive cooling techniques.
Passive cooling techniques include but are not limited to planting trees or hedges, installing window awnings, the use of fans, and opening and closing windows and blinds at the appropriate times of day. For example you would open windows at night for the cool breeze and close them along with blinds during peak sun hours.
4. Upgrade your windows
Replacing old single-pane windows with new dual-pane ones that include Low-emissivity (Low-E). The Low-E coating reduces energy loss by as much as 50%, and as a bonus you could be eligible for tax credits for buying energy star rated windows.
5. Reduce your energy costs
Enroll with Realgy Energy Services to save on your natural gas and electricity
These simple tricks coupled with Realgy Energy Services low rates can drastically reduce your energy costs this summer.
Check out Realgy Energy Services rates and see how much you could be saving www.realgyenergyservices.com Or Call one of our Energy Brokers today 877-300-6747.
Sources:
U.S Department of Energy, Energy Savers, Thermostats and Control Systems
The Daily Green, Close Your Blinds to Beat the Heat
Earth 911, 9 Ways to Ready Your home For Summer
Houzz, Life Without Air Conditioning? These Passively Cooled Homes Say Yes
U.S Department of Energy, Energy Savers, Window Types
Are you ready for the cold weather?
Now is the time to start winterizing your home. Here are a few tips brought to you by Realgy Energy Services to help you prepare for the colder weather and increase your energy efficiency.
Just like your air conditioner, your furnace should also get an annual check-up from a certified HVAC technician before the heating season. Keeping your furnace and ducts clean, lubricated and properly adjusted will reduce energy use and save you money.
At the very least, make sure to clean or replace the air filter on your furnace before starting it for the first time and check it every month. A dirty filter will restrict airflow and increase energy use and even possibly lead to premature failure of the unit.
While you are checking on your furnace, don’t overlook the hot water heater; if it is warm to the touch, it needs more insulation. Consider installing a water heater blanket or jacket insulation around the tank which will help prevent heat loss; be sure to leave the air intake vent uncovered. You should also insulate hot water pipes to further reduce heat loss.
Insulating your hot water heater and pipes will decrease your energy consumption and increase your savings; as a bonus this will even allow you to turn down the water temperature to around 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you have a fireplace always keep the damper closed when not in use to prevent heat loss. Ensure the chimney is clean and soot free; you should also cover the top of the chimney with a protective cap or screen to keep out unwanted debris and small animals.
Take the time now to seal cracks and crevices around windows and doors using caulk or weather-stripping. If you have old windows and are not planning on replacing them before the cold weather, consider using a shrink plastic kit to keep hot air in and cold air out.
Use these simple tips to get your home ready for the winter chill and increase your energy savings.
Sources:
EnergySavers.org, Stay Warm, Save Money
U.S. Department of Energy; Energy Efficiency and Renewable energy, Thermostats and Control Systems
Energy Star, Winter Energy Savers
Are you ready for the summer heat?
On top of our low competitive energy rates, Realgy Energy Services also provides our customers with even more ways to save money and energy. Here are some helpful tips towards lowering your utility bills this summer.
Take advantage of the sun and turn off the lights to enjoy the “day lighting”. If you must use the lights this summer, replace those used most often with CFL or LED bulbs. Incandescent lights give off more heat than the newer energy efficient models. If you replace one traditional 100W incandescent bulb with an Energy Star CFL light bulb you could save up to $6 a year in energy costs In just two years, these bulbs will pay for themselves.
Heating and cooling accounts for up to 40% of energy consumption in commercial buildings and almost 56% in residential buildings. Make sure your AC is equipped to run efficiently. If you have not already, schedule an AC tune up with a certified HVAC contractor. The contractor can point out and repair minor issues before they become huge problems and ensure it is running at its most efficient. You should plan to have your AC tuned up every two years, or every year if it is used frequently.
Air conditioners will run at their optimal performance level when set at 78 degrees. Making it even 5 degrees lower will result in your AC using up to 40% more energy. Keep that thermostat at 78 degrees during the day and turn it down at night, to conserve the most energy.
78 degrees is the magic number with ACs
Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect that will allow you to raise the thermostat about 4 degrees without any reduction in comfort. Just remember to turn off the fans if nobody is in the room.
Avoid using electronics or anything that generate lots of heat such as computers, ovens, even incandescent lighting. By reducing the amount of heat that is generated you can reduce the cost of cooling that area.
These simple tricks can drastically reduce your energy consumption and costs.
Sources:
U.S Department of Energy, Energy Savers, Thermostats and Control Systems
Edison Electric Institute, Energy-Efficient Tips and Products for Commercial Use
Spring Cleaning Tips to Increase Energy Efficiency
Spring cleaning usually involves making sure all the nooks and crannies are clean after the long winter months. This year why not use these helpful tips to increase the energy efficiency of your home or office. Not only will your energy usage decrease so will your energy bills!
Refrigerators account for up to eleven percent of the total energy used, which has a major impact on your energy bill. Make sure you clean the condenser coils to ensure that air can circulate freely, if dust builds up clogging the coils the motor must work harder and use more electricity. You should also check the door seals to ensure they are air tight. You can do this by placing a piece of paper in-between the door, if you can pull it out without difficulty you may need to adjust the latch or consider replacing the seals.
Don’t forget about your Air conditioner call to schedule a checkup to make sure it is operating at peak efficiency. If you have central air conditioning, keep your thermostat at 78 degrees. You can save approximately six to seven percent off your cooling costs for each degree above 78. If you are in the market to replace your old central air conditioner, make sure to look for a new ENERGY STAR qualified model. These energy-efficient models can reduce your cooling costs by 20 percent.
If you do not have an AC, proper ventilation of your home or office can provide the same level of comfort at a much lower cost. A whole house ventilation system will draw cool air through the house. Ceiling fans are another option to create a cool breeze and keep the air circulating in your home, ensure that all fans are working properly and are dust-free.
Last but not least, if your home or office has a sliding glass door, make sure to keep its track clean. A dirty track can ruin the door’s seal, resulting in gaps where cold air can escape.
Now that your home and or office is clean and energy-efficient, why not save even more money by checking out Realgy Energy Services low monthly rates on Natural Gas and Electricity. Our customers have saved upwards of 19% on their energy costs over a twelve month period as compared to their local utility. Check out our website www.RealgyEnergyServices.com, or call one of our Energy Brokers at (877) 300-6747 to learn how you can save on your energy usage.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Energy Savers Tips on Saving Money & Energy at Home”
Home Energy Team, “Energy Efficient Solutions”
Money Crashers “House Spring Cleaning Tips & Checklist – How to Spring Clean“