Summer Savings for Energy

Even though electric bills are highest during the cooling season, it is possible to achieve summer savings by rescheduling daily activities and dealing with windows. Each of these tips is easy to use and doesn’t require a big, if any, investment.

Deal with the windows.

Unless they’re Energy Star windows, you probably experience a good deal of heat gain from every window in your home, especially those that the sun hits. Install sun screens on south- and west-facing windows to stop nearly all the radiant heat before it enters your home. Thermal draperies or cellular shades are also good ways to stop summer heat transfer, but they must be closed to work.

Remember to check the air filter and change it when it’s dirty.

A dirty air filter will increase cooling costs measurably.

Have your A/C system serviced.

It’s never too late to have an HVAC pro clean and adjust your system to make it as efficient as possible. Clean coils in the condenser and air handler speed up the cooling process. The technician will measure the refrigerant pressure and add more if necessary. If you suspect ductwork leaks, the team can test and seal them, saving your energy dollars and improving indoor air quality.

Stick to a cooking schedule.

It takes planning, but avoid oven use during the hottest parts of the day for substantial summer savings and use slow cookers and the microwave instead.

Turn down the water heater.

Heating water accounts for about 20 percent of your energy bills.

Keep your water heater at 120 degrees Fahrenheit year-round to prolong its life and save energy. If you want hotter water for the dishwasher, use the heat setting.

Avoid drying clothes midday.

Do the laundry early in the morning or the evening and use cold water for washing. Clothes dryers throw off a lot of heat and should be used when temperatures are cooler.

Of these summer savings tips, you’ll see the best returns from air filter changes and HVAC maintenance. For more information, contact CCAC, providing trusted HVAC services for Coastal Bend homeowners.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Corpus Christi, Texas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about your HVAC system, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 361-678-2495.