With the summer under way and scorching temperatures upon us, it’s a good time for folks to take some small steps to keep their home cool and their energy bills cooler. And, with more than three-fourths of Oregon already in some stage of drought these low- and no-cost cooling and water-saving tips are sure to provide some much-needed relief.
(SEE ALSO: SCORCHING TEMPS TO CONTINUE THROUGH THE WEEK)
For those hot days to come, here are Energy Trust’s top 6 tips:
- Power down heat-generating devices
- Home appliances, electronics and incandescent light bulbs create heat when on. Power down and consider upgrading to LED lights, which operate more efficiently and don’t give off excess heat.
- Skip the oven and use the microwave, stovetop, or grill outside. Not that you need an excuse to have a barbeque!
- Get strategic with your windows
- Less light = less heat. Close windows, blinds, shades and curtains to keep heat outside. Light-colored window coverings also help reflect heat away.
- Close windows and window coverings in hot weather during the day to keep hot air out. Open windows at night or early morning to let cool air in.
- Consider planting trees or tall shrubs to filter sunlight before it enters your home.
- Join the fan club
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In with the cold and out with the hot! Place a fan in the window to keep air moving and help you feel cool by pulling cool air in and drawing warm air out. Try using a box or window-mounted fan on the shady side of your home to draw in cool air. A second fan on the opposite side of the room or house can blow hot air out.
- A ceiling fan can help circulate cool air from your air conditioning, allowing you to raise the thermostat setting and still stay comfortable. If you buy a new ceiling fan, choose an ENERGY STAR® qualified model (available as a light/fan combination).
- Keep hot air out and cool air in
- Sealing air leaks and insulating your home can reduce cooling and heating costs while making your home more comfortable all year long.
- Add caulk or weatherstripping around drafty doors and windows and seal holes or cracks hidden in attics, basements and crawlspaces with caulk, spray foam or weatherstripping.
- Add insulation, but seal air leaks first. Leaks make insulation less effective.
- Make the most of air conditioning!
- When no one is home, set the air conditioner or heat pump thermostat a few degrees higher than normal. When you are home set the thermostat to help you feel cooler without using too much energy.
- Check the system air filter regularly and change it when it looks dirty. A dirty filter makes the system work less efficiently and reduces airflow.
- Make sure all vents and registers are well-sealed where they meet floors, walls and ceilings.
- Stay water-wise
- Install water-saving showerheads and faucet aerators.
- Wash and rinse laundry with cold water and only run full loads whenever possible.
- Use the water-saving setting on your dishwasher and scrape food residue off plates instead of using water to rinse.
Visit Energy Trust’s website for more no-cost and low-cost energy-saving tips.