SJG Conserve

Beat the Heat: Save Energy & Money in Warm Weather

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners spend $11 billion every year to power their air conditioners. As temperatures rise, there are ways to keep your home cool and lower your energy bills – check out the tips below.

• Close window coverings to keep rooms cool.
• Run ceiling fans clockwise to push cool air down; using a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about four degrees without impacting your comfort.
• Turn off fans in unoccupied rooms – fans cool people, not rooms.       
• Cook quick meals that require less stovetop and oven time.
• Grill outdoors to reduce the amount of heat inside the home and the demand on the air conditioner.
• Take cool showers to reduce the need for water-heating energy.
• Dry clothes outside on a clothesline instead of using the dryer.
• Clean and replace your cooling unit’s filters on a regular basis – it’s the simplest way to save money on home cooling.
• Keep the thermostat at the highest temperature comfortable: 78° F or higher with the fan on “auto” mode. To save more, set the thermostat at 82° F or higher when no one is home.
• Ensure your thermostat is positioned on an interior wall away from direct sunlight, drafts, doorways and windows, to prevent inaccurate temperature readings.
• Move furniture, decorative items and appliances away from air conditioning vents.