For many, each summer, comfort comes before cost and the air conditioner becomes a necessity. It seems to be getting hotter each year, and large parts of the country become nearly unbearable during these few months. However, by changing a few habits, you can compensate for the increased use of air conditioning and lower your energy consumption.
Lower Your Energy Consumption This Summer
While 6% of the United States’ energy consumption comes from air conditioner use (according to Great Eastern Energy), that number is a bit misleading. It’s easier than you might think to waste a lot of energy via your A/C unit, particularly if it’s been around for a while. So, how can you cut back on these big costs?
- Call a professional to have a look at your air conditioner’s filter and the overall efficiency of your unit, especially if it’s older. Simply having your filter cleaned, or your unit replaced, will save you money for years to come.
- Your refrigerator is another fantastic place to look when you’re looking into ways to lower your energy consumption. Think before you open it. Know what it is you want to pull out of it and do it in a single trip, if at all possible. Additionally, if you often have empty space in your freezer, purchase more ice cube trays. The ice will keep your freezer colder without having to use additional power.Consider the use of a small spouted cooler with a pour spout to serve beverages on ice which will stay cold for hours and cut down multiple openings each day. The same works for the refrigerator with bottles of water. Fill that extra space, your refrigerator will cool the water once, but the cold water will keep your refrigerator cold all day. Lastly, never put hot food in the refrigerator: get it to room temperature first.
- Use the microwave when possible rather than your stove or oven: a single cup of water heated for tea will lower your energy consumption if the microwave is employed, rather than a kettle on the stovetop.
- Consider cooking outside more often with either a charcoal/wood or gas grill. Your kitchen will heat your house and your microwave will be forced to overcompensate.
While there are a number of other ways to reduce your energy consumption in the summer, these make a great start for the kitchen. Contact us today to learn more about how you can save energy during the hotter months and beyond. You can talk to an expert about new installations of lighting and wiring, among other things, for your home or business.
About Tim Kyle Electric
Tim Kyle Electric has been delighting our customers with responsive, trusted and professional electrical services since 1986. We provide residential, commercial and solar power services and are experts in our field. Our team of professionally trained employees uphold our core values of honesty, respect and integrity. We are available 24/7 for your electrical servicing needs. Get in touch with us today to discuss your next electrical project.