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