Summer Energy-Saving Tips

When summer arrives, it’s hard to resist the urge to cool off as quickly as possible. But before you turn down your AC, consider these summer energy efficiency tips.

Energy-saving tips to beat the heat.

Adopting energy-efficient habits can help you conserve energy and prepare for high temperatures, while also doing your part to protect the planet.

HVAC and thermostat

  • Set your thermostat to a higher temperature when you’re away for more than 4 hours.
  • Upgrade to a smart thermostat to give you greater control over your energy usage.
  • Schedule seasonal HVAC tune-ups to improve your air quality and energy efficiency.
  • Change your air filters at least once every 3 months.
  • Seal gaps or tears in your ductwork to help prevent costly cool air from escaping.

Appliances and water use

  • Wash full loads of clothes and dishes at night.
  • Use the cold cycle whenever possible to save on energy costs.
  • Most brands recommend setting your water heater to 120°F for optimal efficiency.
  • Use a timer for your pool pump to keep it from running continuously.

Around the house

  • Use blackout curtains to help reduce the amount of heat radiating in.
  • Add weatherstripping to your exterior doors and windows to keep the heat out and cool air inside.
  • Check your attic insulation to ensure that it isn’t wet, moldy or damaged.

Electronics and lighting

  • Unplug nonessential electronics to avoid phantom loads, where devices are consuming energy even when they’re powered off.
  • Turn on lights only in rooms where you are, rather than lighting the entire house.
  • Consider a smart light system for added control and scheduling.

Live greener with our eco-friendly habits.

When electricity demand is high, several actions can be taken to boost your summer energy efficiency. Even when demand is low, these summer energy efficiency tips will help keep you cool while saving energy.

  • 100% clean energy plan. Sign up for an electricity plan powered by wind or solar energy.
  • Choose solar power without any panels. Offset your summer cooling costs with solar power, no rooftop installation required.
  • Home battery storage. Store solar energy during the day and use it at night to offset peak-hour costs.
  • ENERGY STAR® appliances. Use energy-efficient refrigerators, AC units and fans to save on electricity.
  • Smart irrigation system. Reduce outdoor water and energy use by optimizing watering based on local weather conditions.

Tools to help you manage your energy use all year long:

Enroll in the Ready, Set, Relax Program.

Sign up for the Ready, Set, Relax Program to conserve energy by automatically adjusting your smart thermostat during high usage periods.

Sign up

Track your usage and watch your green impact grow.

Manage your energy usage with a tap and see the difference you’re making with the Green Mountain App.

Get the app

Conduct a home energy audit.

Discover how much energy your household consumes by doing a home energy audit.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Summer Energy Questions

Yes! Smart thermostats can help you save money on your electricity bill by automatically adjusting temperature settings to suit your preferences. By scheduling your thermostat to change the temperature while you’re away or sleeping, your AC system consumes less energy to cool your home during those times, allowing you to save money without sacrificing comfort.

It’s generally more energy-efficient to leave your AC running when you go out rather than turning it off completely. We recommend setting your thermostat a few degrees higher when you will be away for more than 4 hours, then turning it back down to your preferred setting when you return. Remember that it always takes more energy for your AC system to cool down a hot house than to maintain a slightly higher temperature.

Solar panels can help lower your summer energy costs because they generate substantial electricity during the longer, sunnier days of summer. With rooftop solar panels, you won’t need to purchase as much energy, which can help reduce your bills. Additionally, solar panels generate 100% clean energy for your home, reducing your overall carbon footprint and contributing to a cleaner future for the planet.

Our customers have avoided

 

pounds of CO2

That’s like planting

 

new trees.

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