6 Summertime Energy-Saving Tips

May 2nd 2017 Eccotemp Systems

For many of us, summer means sunny days and warm nights. But with warmer weather, summer can also signify higher energy bills if you’re using more electricity to keep cool. We’ve rounded up a few simple yet effective tips on how to shave your energy spending. Keep these in mind through the summer months and your wallet will thank you!

1. Block the sun from your home

Insulation is one of the most effective ways to improve your home’s efficiency. According to a study by City University of Hong Kong from 2000 (1), as much as 45% of the heat in a home is from sunlight coming in the windows. Curtains and blinds are an easy and cost-effective way to block heat out of your home so that whether you’re inside or away for the day, you can keep your interior spaces cool and lighten the load on your AC. If you want to take insulation to the next level, installing insulated windows will seal your home from heat and sunlight in summer months while keeping it warm in colder weather during winter months. It’s also a good idea to make sure that all the vents, pipes and connections in your home are well-insulated so you’re cooling your home effectively. Consult an HVAC professional if you’re unfamiliar with how to do this.

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2. Give your air conditioner a break!

We’re all about smart AC – even if it means not using your AC! Get the most out of Mother Nature and cool your home naturally. Place screens over your windows so you can open a window when it’s cool enough to let outside air in. This will allow fresh air into your home and aid with natural air flow. Plants also naturally allow more evaporation and cooling into the home too. Place houseplants in front of sunny windows and they will effectively absorb the sun’s energy which will increase the efficiency of your ACs and fans. But watch out for rising humidity! If you live in humid climates, your window screens won’t be able to block out moisture in the air.

3. A fan can go a long way

A simple floor, box or ceiling fan can be very effective in creating large air flow. We like them because they use very little energy but help a great deal with air circulation and pushing warm air out of the room. With the aid of a fan you can raise your AC temperature by a few degrees and re-distribute cool air throughout your home. A 2002 study by TEPCO (2), a Japanese utility, found that consumers could save up to 22% of their AC electricity consumption by using a fan together with their AC. There are a few ways to do this:

• Push out hot air: Point your fan towards an open window. Use the negative pressure to get rid of hot air indoor and bring in fresh air from outdoor.

• Use a fan with your AC: Air conditioners tend to generate cold air that stays near the ground, leading to energy waste and uneven air distribution. If you place your fan along the same side as the air conditioner, but facing diagonally into the room, you can help the air conditioner to spread cool air around the room, and also effectively raise energy efficiency.

• Use a fan at night: Set a fan parallel to your bed before you go to sleep. Let the air flow under the bed to the ceiling. This will create a cooling effect and avoid the air from blowing directly at your body.

4. Be good to your AC and clean your AC filter

If you haven’t had your air conditioner serviced in a few months (or years!), it’s probably time to take a look under the hood. Even if your AC appears to be running smoothly, it’s important to remember that your trusty air conditioner may need a professional clean to run as efficiently as possible. The difference between a dirty filter and a clean one can be up to ~5% so make sure to not skip on regular maintenance checks! Again, if you’re unsure how to do this, consult an HVAC professional to help you.

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5. Get a grip on the humidity

If summer weather for you means feeling sticky and sweaty, try using a dehumidifier instead of an AC. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners are actually functionally the same but dehumidifiers do not refrigerate air and they do not push the hot air they produce outside. Nonetheless, a dehumidifier is an excellent tool for combating a moist room. They are designed to pull water from the air, and by extracting the moisture from the room, will help you to feel cool and dry. To get the most out of your dehumidifier, place it in the middle of the room and close the doors to increase efficiency. One thing to keep in mind is that since dehumidifiers are meant to dry out the room, you may not want to leave it on throughout the night to avoid drying out your hair and skin.

6. Go Electric!

Of course, our favorite tip is to purchase an Eccotemp electric series tankless water heater! Unlike traditional water heaters, tankless water heaters only heat water when it's needed. By heating water on demand, tankless water heaters cut heating expenses while also proving continuous hot water delivery. Tankless water heaters give you greater control over your energy usage. Consider purchasing an Eccotemp iE electric series tankless water heater for even more energy savings! The Eccotemp iE-11, iE-18, iE-24 and iE-27 all boast over 96% thermal efficiency! Along with a sleek, modern design, the Eccotemp iE electric series tankless water heaters typically result in 15-20% savings when compared to electric tank water heaters. 

This blog was contributed by Ambi Climate and edited by Eccotemp Systems, LLC.

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