As they dive into one of Colorado’s hottest months, they’re all about energy efficiency. By cutting down on the energy usage they can save on those monthly bills. Here are some tips to make the home more energy-efficient:
Improve home insulation - Adding more insulation to an attic keeps hot air out in the summer. Seal the biggest leaks in the house and check the holes that were cut for plumbing pipes. Use a can of spray foam, available at any hardware store, to seal these leaks.
Filters - Clean or replace filters in the HVAC system to help it run more efficiently. This is just as important in the summer months as it is in the winter months. A dirty air filter is one of the main reasons central air conditioning systems freeze up in the summer. This causes very high usage, with little to no cooling.
Central air conditioning
One of the easiest ways to be energy-efficient is to unplug electronics and appliances that are not regularly used
Energy-efficient appliances - If users are in the market for new appliances, look for those that have ENERGY STAR certification. Energy- efficient appliances use the lowest energy possible to perform their tasks.
Unplug unused electronics - One of the easiest ways to be energy-efficient is to unplug electronics and appliances that are not regularly used. The most effective appliances to unplug are computers and laptops, game consoles, light fixtures and cell phone chargers.
Energy-saving temperatures
Install smart thermostats - Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi-enabled devices that control heating and cooling in the home by learning the temperature preferences and schedule to automatically adjust to energy-saving temperatures when they are asleep or away. They can help users lower their energy bills by not working to heat or cool an empty house.
Keep peak demand as low as possible - To avoid high peak demand charges between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., limit use of multiple high-powered devices at the same time. If users are electric vehicle owner, remember to charge their EV during off-peak hours. Many apps allow them to adjust the charging time and duration to ensure users are the most energy-efficient.
