As temperatures rise, members depend even more on fans and air conditioners to keep cool. Follow these tips to reduce energy consumption and prevent higher energy bills:
- Use ceiling fans, which can help rooms feel comfortable even if the air is set at 4 degrees higher than normal.
- Use bathroom suction fans to remove heat and humidity during showers. Suction fans can also benefit kitchens and utility rooms, often the locations of heat-generating appliances.
- Conduct regular maintenance for the climate-control system. Vacuum the registers of the climate-control system regularly to improve the unit’s efficiency.
- Do not place TV sets or lamps near thermostats as heat from these items can trigger the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
- Keep coverings, like blinds, closed to reduce heat gain, especially on windows receiving direct sunlight.
- Seal cracks around windows and doors to prevent hot air from seeping into the home.
- Avoid using the oven during peak heat times.
- Upgrade to more efficient lighting options such as LED or CFL, which burn cooler than traditional incandescent bulbs.
For more energy-saving tips and resources, visit our Energy Conservation section.