The electrical grid is pushed to the ultimate test as we go through the last few summer months while pounded by record heat waves. The increased grid demand typically results in higher energy bills for consumers. How can we stay cool while lowering our energy bills and, consequently, our energy consumption?
Get your air conditioner serviced or replaced
Making the most of your cooling systems’ efficiency is one of the most crucial steps in saving money on electricity and staying calm. A/C unit filter cleaning alone can reduce energy consumption by 5 to 15%1, keep the unit in good operating condition for longer, and prevent the need for costly replacements in the future.
Reduce the expense of heating your water
18% of the energy used in your home is used for heating the water. Who wants a searing hot shower in the summer anyway? Lowering the setting of your water heater can help you save energy.
Another water-guzzler, laundry, can also be maximized in the heat. Be careful to maximize your loads to save money and avoid doing laundry as frequently. Using cold water for laundry and hanging clothes to dry are two other strategies to reduce your energy costs.
Closing vents and doors
If you’re at home, you can increase the effectiveness of your cooling system by closing doors and A/C vents in unused spaces. It uses less energy (and money!) to keep you comfortable when empty rooms aren’t kept cool.
Utilize your windows to block off the heat
and cool off at night
Turning off your air conditioning system and opening the windows to let cold air in (and hot air out!) is a terrific method to save energy and reduce your energy cost if you live in a climate where it cools off at night. By keeping the blinds closed and the windows closed throughout the day, you may prevent the interior of your home from being too warm and force your cooling systems to work harder to maintain a suitable temperature.
Lower the thermostat
Your heating costs may drop significantly as a result of changing your thermostat. You can decrease your annual heating costs by up to 10% by lowering the thermostat by up to 10 degrees.
The optimum times to lower your thermostat include before you go to sleep and in the morning before leaving for work. Try sleeping in a room that is heated to about 63 degrees. If no one is home in the day, you might wish to turn the heat down to 63 or even lower before you leave for work.
Prevent Heat Loss from Your Ducts
Your home’s ducts may be a source of heat loss, mainly if they are located in uninsulated spaces like the attic, basement, or garage. Warm air can be prevented from escaping by caulking your ducts’ joints. The ducts can be sealed using foil tape or mastic sealant.
What Exactly Is Mass Save® and How Does It Operate?
The goal is to make your house more comfortable while also assisting you in being more energy efficient and saving money by reducing your electric and heating utility bills.
National Grid, Eversource, The Berkshire Gas Company, Blackstone Gas Company, Cape Light Compact, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Liberty Utilities, and Unitil are a few of the sponsors who provide utilities. We are qualified to offer you energy-efficient renovations using the program incentives and discounts as a Mass Save® partner taking part in the energy program.
What Exactly Is A Home Energy Assessment?
Home Energy Evaluations Are Provided Free of Charge By The Program
A certified energy specialist will evaluate and scan your home from top to bottom during a home energy assessment to find flaws and energy loss. You’ll receive suggestions to improve your energy efficiency. We’ll make recommendations specifically targeted to you to enhance your home’s energy efficiency. If you qualify, insulation advice will be provided at a reduced cost, up to 100%, if your home’s insulation has to be improved.
Expert Home Energy Assessments
A professional home energy assessment will thoroughly examine your house’s energy use. A home energy expert may employ tools like blower doors, infrared cameras, gas leaks, carbon monoxide detectors, moisture meters, and non-toxic smoke pens in addition to performing a room-by-room inspection of the house.
Self-Assessments of Home Energy
A rigorous self-evaluation can help you identify problem areas and order your energy efficiency renovations, even if a professional energy assessment offers the most comprehensive picture of your home’s energy use.
Importance of Energy Efficiency
Your home’s ducts may be a source of heat loss, mainly if they are located in uninsulated spaces like the attic, basement, or garage. Warm air can be prevented from escaping by caulking your ducts’ joints. The ducts can be sealed using foil tape or mastic sealant.
Prevent Heat Loss from Your Ducts
Energy optimization refers to making the most of your energy at home. This involves more than just consuming less energy; it should also include increasing energy efficiency (and cost savings) in the places you presently occupy. By not overusing it, you can help your system function better.
Homeowners should think about maximizing their energy use for various reasons, including the obvious financial and environmental advantages of doing so and potential improvements to mental and physical health. Prospective homeowners often look for energy optimization while choosing a home, making it one of the usual features.
One excellent technique to lessen your carbon footprint is energy efficiency. Implementing energy-saving solutions in your home can drastically reduce your emissions contribution. Homes accounted for 19% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions in 2016. By investing in more efficient energy use, the average home may cut its energy consumption (and greenhouse gas emissions) by 25 to 30%.
If you’re interested in knowing more about energy efficiency and want to make your house an energy-efficient zone, then contact Suffolk Weatherization at Suffolkwx.com.