Save On that Summer Energy Bill

Are you ready for summer? Lots of fun to be had across our great state! Nevada is a hiker’s paradise. If that’s not your thing, our great Silver State has over 600 ghost towns. And don’t forget our nearby recreational lakes! After a lovely day though, we want to come home to ‘nice and cool,’ don’t we?

But we don’t want that summer energy bill to break our budget!

Nevada is the driest state in the union; therefore, our Summers are severely hot and dry with day and night temperature differences ranging as wide as 40°F (4.4°C).  Daytime highs frequently top 100°F (37.8°C) from June to September and can shoot up our thermometers to reach a scorching 120°F (48.9°C).  That.is.HOT.



TIPS TO SAVE ON THAT SUMMER ENERGY BILL

Change the air filter monthly. This is the Achilles Heel of all air conditioning systems and correlates to energy costs. For more information on extending the life of your air conditioning system, check out our blog post "How to care for your A/C and save costs over the life of your unit"

Resist wild swings in your thermostat setting. Hold the temperature  at 78 whilst home and 85 when away. This alone will save 10% on your electricity bill, according to the US Department of Energy.

Replace standard light bulbs with energy efficient LED bulbs. LED bulbs generate much less heat than either CFLs or incandescent bulbs while providing the same amount of light. Plus, they last up to five times longer than standard lightbulbs. A real Win-Win! If you want to mimic the  warm glow like that of incandescent bulbs, look for CFL or LED bulbs in the 2700K to 3000K temperature range. If you’d like a whiter light, choose bulbs ranging from 3100K to 4000K.

Ceiling fans: Now, ceiling fans make a room feel cooler even though they do not actually lower the room’s overall temperature. Ceiling fans produce a ‘wind chill’ effect that works to move air across your skin, which helps to evaporate body sweat at a faster rate than just using the A/C. Make sure to rotate ceiling fans counterclockwise when looking up at them so that they blow cool air down on you for maximum benefit.  Be sure to turn off the fans as you leave the room because they only cool your skin, not  the air. Thus, they only work when you’re in the room to enjoy the benefits of both being cooler and saving energy costs.

Window Treatment: No, we’re not talking stylish window ‘décor.’ If you have an older home, consider replacing old single-pane windows with insulated glass windows that have a low-E coating. Or install less expensive heat blocking solar film on the inside of your single pane glass windows. Don’t install solar film on double pane windows as it can cause heat to build up between the glass which can rupture the seal and void the glass warranty.

More options for reducing solar heat from streaming into your home:

Close the curtains, shutters, or blinds during the day on all windows in your home – but  especially the sunny windows; plant shade trees on the sunny sides of your house, typically this is the west and south areas; install awnings over your doors and windows.

Turn off lights and electronics when not in use; or set to sleep-mode. You are probably already doing this important tip. Good on you! It’s the little things that add up to big savings. Turning all heat-producing items in your home when not in use is easy-peasy savings. It’s even easier to save by installing motion-activated sensors that turn lights on when you enter a room and off after you leave it. Life is good!

Cook less – or – more. Summers are perfect for al-fresco meals. If you must stovetop or oven cook, consider doubling or tripling the recipes that need heat to cook. Plenty of online recipes are perfect for delicious leftovers and for making several different meals out of one or two main ingredients. This way, we’re heating the kitchen – and the house – once for three or four good meals. Saves energy. Saves time!

And finally, take advantage of free energy audits offered by your local energy provider. Check your monthly statement or their website to see if they offer this valuable service. They will go through your home in detail and provide a custom report of energy-saving recommendations. Some energy providers will provide a free Smart Thermostat installation.

Call or send a text to 775-825-6500 if your A/C unit shows any sign of struggling during the heat. Paschall Plumbing heating Cooling is available 24/6 Monday through Saturday by Text, Email, and Phone. 

 The sooner we check out your struggling A/C unit, the sooner you can get back to keeping cool!