Summer Savvy! Make smart decisions about your summer electricty usage to save energy while living greener.
Summer Savvy! Make smart decisions about your summer electricty usage to save energy while living greener.
Looking to stay clean and green all summer long? No sweat! We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re hitting the outdoors for your favorite summer activities or keeping your home cool during the dog days of summer, a few simple choices can help you stay green and comfortable even throughout the hottest months of the year.
Summer is one of the highest electricity usage periods of the year. For many people, over 50% of the electricity they use can be traced directly to cooling the home. After you set up your home for success with an energy audit, consider implementing these new habits to give your A/C (and your energy consumption) a break.
Turn up your thermostat. For every degree below 78°F, you can expect about a 5% – 7% increase in your cooling costs.
Shut your blinds during the day. Prevent ambient heat from getting into the house via sunlight.
Turn off ceiling fans when leaving a room. Set them to send heat up toward the ceiling instead of down toward the floor.
Remember the 4-by-4 rule. If you’re going to be away for more than four hours, set the thermostat 4° higher.
Unplug your electronics. Stop vampire power from draining your wallet by putting your electronics on a power strip and unplugging when not in use.
Check your water heater. The ideal temperature for an energy-efficient water heater is 120°F.
Embrace cooking outdoors. Using your stove or oven to cook your meals can overheat your home and cause your A/C to work overtime.
Greening your summer doesn't stop with saving energy. Both at home and on vacation, there are eco-friendly ways to help yourself and the planet.
Before you venture out on vacation, see our eco-friendly tips that’ll help you travel more sustainably and lower your impact.
Take inventory of your belongings and evaluate what you can donate, recycle or reuse in the midst of a move.
If you’re remodeling your home this summer, these green building practices can help you have a lower impact on the environment.
Our customers have avoided
pounds of CO2
That’s like planting
new trees.