Summer is a popular time of year for most people. The weather is warm, and this makes it more comfortable for people to get outside and enjoy life. However, summer is also one of the more expensive periods of the year when it comes to utility costs. When temperatures hit the 80s and above, the inside of your house can get warm. Additionally, if you have a garden or flower bed, you're likely to use more water to keep them healthy. However, there are steps that you can take to cut your utility costs and make your home more green in the long run.
Install A Timer
If you have a sprinkler system to keep your lawn or garden watered, it can pay off to have it set on a timer. Watering your lawn in the middle of the day will cause the water to quickly evaporate. You'll need to use more water as a result. By installing a timer on your sprinkler system, you can control when you water your lawn and slow the process of evaporation.
Install Low Flow Faucets
Older faucets and showerheads can waste hundreds of gallons of water over the course of a year. Adding an aerator to your existing faucets or installing new faucets or showerheads can help you cut down on the amount of water you're using when washing your dishes or taking a shower. The water you use completing these tasks quite literally goes down the drain. Therefore, it's a great idea to try and limit the amount of water you use to help cut down on your use of this precious resource and save money. Installing a low flow faucet could save up to 700 gallons of water each year.
Turn Your Water Heater Down
Turning your water heater down is another great option for saving money. It's estimated that most homes have their water heaters set at 140 degrees. The Department of Energy recommends a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This one small change could save between 6% and 10% of the costs associated with heating water. It's not a huge monetary saving, but it does cut down on your energy use.
It’s also a good safety precaution! You won’t need to worry about burning yourself when you’re washing dishes or stepping into the shower.
Install A Programmable Thermostat
If you're not home, there's no need to keep your home cool.
A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature setting in your home so that you can stay comfortable and cut down on your use of energy at the same time. You'll probably want the temperature cooler at night and on the weekend, but this will be less important during the day. A programmable thermostat can take care of keeping you comfortable, and it will likely pay for itself in a short amount of time!
Have Your Air Conditioner Serviced
This will cost a few bucks, but it will help ensure that your AC system is running at peak efficiency during the dog days of summer. Low coolant levels can make your system run longer to keep your home cool. If it runs too long, your AC can actually freeze up. This situation can lead to a very hot day while it thaws out. By having your unit checked and repaired as needed, you should be able to keep it running at peak efficiency throughout the summer and cut down on your use of energy. Depending on your system's age, you may want to look into replacements as well.
Use Efficient Lighting
Light bulbs have never been more efficient than they are now. It's possible to replace older incandescent bulbs that took 60 watts with LED bulbs that use only 9 watts while giving off the same level of light.
While the newer bulbs might cost a bit more, they have a longer useful life, and they save electricity. This means that you'll cut down on your energy usage and save money in the long run.
There are many small changes you can make in your home to help live a greener life. Saving money is a frequent side benefit of becoming more efficient with your lifestyle. If you have questions about how you can see more green results in your home, contact the experts at Mac's Plumbing, Heating & Air today or visit us on our website!