Top Tips for Energy Savings This Summer

Saving energy is in everyone’s best interest. The amount of energy that is used to cool your home, especially here in South Carolina, has a tendency to go up if proper attention isn’t paid to its use. There are a number of ways to help reduce those electric bills if a just a few things are done on a consistent basis.

You, the homeowner, can accomplish some of these top tips.  Others need a professional HVAC technician’s attention.

In the kitchen: Microwaves use less energy, for shorter times, than stovetops or ovens.  Keep your refrigerator as full as possible to prevent it from running longer to maintain the cold interior. A full fridge requires less cooling. Use the dishwasher only when its full and turn off the dryer function and let them air dry.

In the utility or laundry room: Wash clothes with cold water and proper detergent.  Dry only full loads and make sure the lint filter is cleaned with every load. Set the water heater to 120 degrees from the factory setting of 140 degrees.  You won’t notice a difference and you’ll still have a comfortable shower or bath.

Around the house: Analyze your needs for a/c temperature settings.  Try using the highest cool settings as possible.  Check for air leaks around windows and doors, as well as in crawl spaces both below and above living spaces.  Make sure to check your air filter monthly and replace it as soon as dirt begins to accumulate.

Other ways you can reduce energy consumption:

• Turn off or unplug electrical items when not in use
• Get an energy audit from a LHT Cooling Heating and Refrigeration, Inc. to assist you in knowing about other energy drains that need your attention.