Green Living: Summer Energy Saving Tips

Summer months see energy bills soaring sky high. Homeowners do feel the pinch, but most of the people just resign to the fact that they have to pay high bills. The good news is that energy bills can be regulated to a more pocket friendly degree by just following a few green living and energy saving tips. Yes, there is a bit of handwork and effort that will go in on your part, but the gigantic dip in bills will surely suffice for it.

Green Living: Summer Energy Saving Tips

Green Living Ideas For Summers

Image Via: Fabrizia Frezza Architecture & Interiors

Use Your Home Appliances Wisely

Appliances are meant to make your life easy and a correct and wise use of appliances can even bring the energy bills down. Use the dishwasher to wash dishes, it uses less water than washing the dishes by hand. The key here is to run full loads and air dry the dishes. Similarly, make proper use of your microwave, try and cook in it. The subsequent bills will be lesser than the stove. Likewise, when using a washing machine run full loads and dry the clothes in the sun rather than using a dryer.

Use The Appliances Wisely

Image Via: Classic Homeworks

Green Living By Minimizing Energy Wastage

One should habitually turn off appliances, fans and lights when not in use. It is also a good idea to unplug appliances and chargers when not in use as they keep on drawing energy from the source if not unplugged. Computers and printers must also be switched off right at the source.

Replace The Necessary Equipment

Dirty air-conditioner filters restrict the flow of cool air and unnecessarily burden the machine with more load. You will need to run the air-conditioner longer which will in turn generate a higher bill. Regular cleaning of air-conditioner filters results in effective running of the machine and one should habitually clean filters at least once a month.

Clean AC Filters

Image Via:Rill Architects

Smart Buys For Summer Energy Savings

Whole house fans are very effective in summers as they draw in cool air and throw out hot air. You can easily install one in your attic and have them working in the early mornings and late evenings when the air outside is cooler. An old air-conditioner is also a big energy consumer and it is worth the effort to exchange it for a new, energy rated one. Talking of energy rated appliances, a star rated refrigerator is also going to save you big time. Awnings, patio covers and strategically placed plants on the outsides can help keep the insides of your home cool, reducing the need for artificial cooling. Solar control window films are also very effective in summers.

Awnings Help Keep The Sun Out

Image Via: Tim Cuppett Architects

Have The Ducts Sealed And Get On The Solar Energy

Leaking ducts and pipes are responsible for half the energy loss in a household. It is worth the effort to have a qualified person check and repair leaky ducts by sealing them. Having your ducts checked periodically for leaks can keep this problem at bay. Summers also present a lot of scope for using solar energy. You can use your sloping roofs to install solar panels and harness solar energy to run your basic electric appliances and light fixtures.

Solar Power

Image Via: Birdseye Design

Green living is more or less a way of life now. Homeowners are trying their best to conserve energy and bring down energy costs. Using these tips and tricks is sure to help them in a positive way. Do share with us what green practices you adopt at home to save energy and how effective they have been in your daily routine. Waiting to hear from you.

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