Winter has faded away, and temperatures have risen. While we no longer need our home heating equipment, we will soon become dependent on our cooling equipment for comfort. These systems require a lot of energy and money to operate. If you wish to remain cool and comfy, then you need to be both creative and methodical. Find the weaknesses inside your home and find remedies. Use new tools and technologies to bring your energy costs down. Consider the following strategies to save energy when the mercury rises.
Top Energy-Saving Tips For Spring And Summer
Below, we share some essential tips to help you cut back on your energy costs during the spring and summer.
Table of Contents:
1. Fill Your Oil Tank Right Away
Savvy homeowners know that the price of oil drops when the weather gets warmer. Therefore, to save money on energy costs, you should order the heating oil for your tank early in the season. The price of oil is quite low during these months because of the low demand. Take advantage of this to get a refill without spending a lot of money. You are also likely to get your order right away since there is no long queue for deliveries. If you wait until the winter, then you will have to pay more and wait longer for the oil to arrive. Furthermore, you must keep your tank relatively full if you use oil for domestic hot water. More than likely, the winter has depleted your oil supply, and you certainly do not want to run out of oil for water heating purposes. Therefore, play it safe and play it smart by ordering today.
2. Perform Home Weatherproofing
Make sure that the cold air coming from your air conditioner does not end up escaping through holes and cracks along the walls. You need to weatherproof your home. Pay particular attention to the edges of the doors and windows. You can use weather strips, sealants, and caulking around the perimeter of these fixtures. You might also want to improve insulation in your attic. After all, it absorbs the most heat from the sun. Adding thicker insulating material allows it to repel heat and keep the indoors cool so that the air conditioner doesn’t have to work too hard all day.
3. Replace Your Old Air Conditioner
Check on your old air conditioner to see if it needs anything to stay operating at a high level. For example, the air filters might be dirty. Replace the filters right away. If there are water leaks, then have the drain problem cleaned up. Upgrading to a programmable thermostat can also yield significant savings because temperature settings can be automated. However, old air conditioners that can barely cool a room should be considered for retirement. Install a new unit that can perform at 100% while using less energy, thanks to innovative technologies. For those who do not have old and outdated AC units, be sure to schedule an air conditioner tune-up to ensure energy-efficient operation.
4. Use Ceiling Fans
Ceiling fans can move a large volume of air to make a room feel more comfortable through evaporative cooling. If it doesn’t feel too hot, then you can use the fans instead of the air conditioner to save money on energy. Open your windows to help with the ventilation. A lot of people might actually prefer having fresh air come inside the house this way. Fans and air conditioners can also work in tandem. Thanks to the cooling effect of the fans, the air conditioners can operate at milder settings. However, remember to shut off the fan when leaving a room. Fans cool people and not rooms.
5. Get Energy Star Appliances
Don’t just focus on your air conditioner. Although this will use up a lot of energy, other home appliances will consume their fair share. Get items with the Energy Star label when you are shopping for new ones. Products need to pass stringent tests to get this certification. You can be certain that you are buying energy-efficient systems that will help you minimize your environmental impact while also reducing the hit on your finances. Some might cost more than non-rated products, but they will prove to be a good investment in the long run.
6. Opt For The Microwave Oven Or Grill
Your cooking equipment will also consume a lot of energy. The age and type will determine how much. Regardless, all ovens release quite a bit a heat, causing your AC unit to work harder to keep your house cool. You could also turn to your microwave oven if all you need is to reheat leftovers or boil water. It is incredibly quick and efficient at heating water molecules without producing a lot of heat. You can also enjoy using the grill to prevent heating up the indoors.
Contact The Better Home Heat Council To Connect With A Reputable Oil Supplier
The Better Home Heat Council (BHHC) is a local association that aims to help homeowners with everything that has to do with fuel oil heat. We provide you with knowledge, especially on things regarding the economic and efficient use of heating oil. We also assist people in identifying and solving issues about energy-efficiency in their homes or office. We accomplish this by pushing them towards an effective and affordable path to ensure that their living areas become more efficient and cost-effective.
The BHHC also supports heating oil delivery service companies that offer services, products, and solutions to homeowners in the Lehigh Valley. If you are searching for a superior home heating oil delivery service near you, click here. Rest assured that most of the fuel oil delivery service companies in our system also provide free energy consultations.
For questions and concerns concerning your HVAC system or oil delivery, click here to contact the Better Home Heat Council today.