Better Ways to Save on your Energy Bills This Summer

Summer in Portland, OR is on the way and you can’t run from those rising energy bills. Because let’s be honest, you still want to use your cooling, electricity, and water on occasion. Luckily there are some great ways you can save on your energy bills and still enjoy those luxuries. Taking some of these suggested measures can help you cut costs and spend that money on something else this summer.

 

1. Adjust Your Thermostat

Air conditioning in the summer is probably a large part of your utility bill. That is why it is advisable to adjust your thermostat. Don’t turn it off completely, but just set it for a few degrees higher when you are not home during the summer. Then program it to drop back down about 30 minutes before you usually come home. This will keep your home comfortable, but will help conserve energy when you aren’t there to enjoy the air conditioning.

 

2. Check your Air Vents and Filters

Also, if you have central air in your home, it is actually NOT more efficient to only keep the vents open in particular rooms. In fact the system has to work harder keeping those areas at the target temperature. So take the time to check all your vents, even if you haven’t closed them. By opening the vents your HVAC system can operate at peak efficiency for both heating and cooling. Not only will this save energy expenses, but will prolong the life of your heating and air conditioning as well. You will also want to replace your air filters at the beginning of the season, and then once every couple of months during peak usage.

 

3. Wash on Cold and Air Dry Your Clothes

Laundry is another huge energy drain. To lower costs here you want to wash your clothes with cold water whenever possible. Heating the water to wash your clothing typically accounts for 90 percent of your machine’s energy usage. And on warm sunny days, try line drying your clothes outside. But if you are using a machine drier you want to keep that in mind when packing your washing machine. Don’t pack it so full that there is no room for movement and your machine drier can’t handle the load—that is really inefficient.

 

4. Capitalize on Sunnier Days

Artificial lighting is another energy drain you can crack down on during summer months. Instead of constantly flipping on the lights, use natural lighting to brighten your home. Swap out dark, heavy drapes for gauzier curtains and tilt your blinds up slightly to spread around more light. More natural light will not only make your space feel larger and more welcoming, but it can also improve your overall wellbeing. But this can be counterproductive by driving up the heat if you don’t have energy efficient windows.

 

5. Replace Inefficient Windows and Doors

The last thing you can do to reduce energy losses this summer in Portland, OR is to install the best replacement windows Portland, OR. You would be amazed at how much energy is lost through faulty seals and inefficient products. Right now is a great time to schedule an appointment because you can get in before the summer rush and enjoy the savings all summer long. To schedule your free, in-home consultation call 503-554-5500. Or you can stop by EnergyGuard Windows and Doors at 516 E. 2nd St., Newberg, OR 97132.