How to Save Energy During the Summer

Taking steps to reduce the amount of energy you use in your home is one of the most important and effective ways you can help protect our environment. And during the summer, this is even more important and yet more difficult, as keeping your home cool can take a lot of energy. Here are some simple ways you can reduce your energy usage during the hot summer months—lowering both your energy bill and your carbon footprint:

1. Be smart with your thermostat

One of the most effective ways to reduce your energy usage is to manage your thermostat wisely. Don’t use more air conditioning than you need to. Adjust your thermostat when you’re out of the house, when you’re on vacation, and even at night to save energy and money. 

2. Invest in a smart thermostat

By allowing you to adjust the temperature from your smartphone and automatically self-adjusting based on the current weather, smart thermostats can help keep you comfortable when you’re home and save energy when you’re not.

3. Use ceiling fans and portable fans

Try using fans to help keep your home cool instead of blasting the AC. Using fans in places like your bedroom or your home office can help keep you cool while allowing you to keep the thermostat up a degree or two.

4. Take advantage of the natural breeze

Harness the power of Mother Nature to help keep your home cooler on nicer days—so you can save some money on AC.

5. Change the direction of your ceiling fans

Switch your ceiling fans to rotate counter-clockwise so that they push cool air down—keeping your home cooler and allowing you to ease up on the AC. 

6. Use window treatments to combat the strong summer sun

Try energy-efficient window treatments or coverings such as blinds, shades, or films to naturally keep your home cooler during the summer.

7. Avoid using your oven in the summer

Use your microwave, toaster oven, air fryer, or grill whenever you can so your AC unit doesn't have to work as hard.

8. Don’t waste energy while doing the dishes or your laundry

Use cold water to wash your clothes, hang your laundry to dry instead of using the dryer, and turn off the heated drying setting on your dishwasher to save a surprising amount of energy.

9. Switch to Energy Star appliances

Increase your home's energy efficiency by upgrading to an Energy Star-certified dishwasher, refrigerator, or dryer. Check out energystar.gov to find energy-efficient products and rebates.

10. Switch to energy-efficient lighting

Did you know that LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescents? Swapping out your incandescent bulbs for LED bulbs can save a ton of energy and money over time.

11. Turn down your water heater

Water heating accounts for about 18% of the average electricity bill and is typically the second-biggest contributor to your energy usage (behind heating and cooling). Turning down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F) can help reduce your energy consumption.

12. Replace your air filters

By improving airflow and increasing the efficiency of your cooling systems, this simple step could lower your energy consumption by up to 15%! 

13. Clean your air ducts and vents

Cleaning out all the dust and dirt that has accumulated makes things easier for both your lungs and your cooling system. You’ll save energy and may even increase the system’s lifespan.

14. Seal any air leaks

Caulking, sealing, and weather-stripping cracks and openings around your windows, doors, or any other openings can help keep cool air in and warm air out—saving energy and money. 

15. Have your HVAC system serviced

Having your cooling system inspected, cleaned, and serviced at least once a year helps ensure it’s working at maximum efficiency. 

16. Seal your air ducts

Leaky air ducts can reduce the efficiency of cooling systems by up to 20%. Sealing and insulating ducts can prevent you from wasting a significant amount of energy and money.

17. Replace your insulation

Update the insulation of your attic, doors, windows, floors, roof, and walls to help prevent the warm summer air from entering your home—helping your cooling system run more efficiently.

18. Turn off the lights

Make sure you turn off the lights every time you leave a room. Being diligent about this simple habit can add up to a big impact over time!

19. Unplug and get outside!

Give your electronics a rest and enjoy fresh air as often as you can.

Small steps like these can make a big difference in your home’s energy consumption—helping you save both energy and money. Once you’ve taken these steps to cut back on your energy usage, make sure the energy you do use comes from clean, green sources. By choosing CleanChoice Energy for your home, you can play a role in fighting climate change and creating a cleaner planet for us all. Learn more about how you can choose 100% clean, renewable energy for your home today!