Energy Saving Tips for Some Extra Cash This Summer
After two years of lockdowns and closures, summer fun is back again! More and more families are hitting the road to enjoy some time well deserved away.
Unfortunately, fun isn’t the only thing on the rise—prices are elevated at gas stations, restaurants, and nearly everything in between. It’s no surprise that people are looking for ways to save a little cash! Luckily, the team at Blue Flame has some tried and true steps that can reduce energy use while you’re away on vacation:
Set Your Water Heater to Vacation Mode
Water heating can account for almost 20 percent of your home’s energy costs. You can slash those costs by setting your water heater to vacation mode (or somewhere between 50° and 70°F) while you’re on vacation.
Turn Up Your Thermostat
You don’t need to air condition an empty home, and you can save 10 percent on your cooling costs by turning your thermostat to 85°F while you’re gone. While you’re at it, the Department of Energy recommends a temperature setting of 78°F to balance comfort and savings when you are home.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat allows you to pre-program your home temperature and lower it again before pulling back into the driveway. The wireless capabilities of these thermostats mean you can adjust the temperature from your smartphone, no matter where in the world you are!
Close Blinds and Curtains
Close your reflecting blinds or curtains before hitting the road to prevent the sunlight from heating your space and causing your A/C to cycle while you’re gone.
Adjust Your Fridge Temperature
Did you know you can adjust the internal temperature of your refrigerator without turning it off completely? You can safely store food in the fridge at 42°F and in your freezer at 5°F.
Unplug “Vampire” Appliances
According to the Department of Energy, some household appliances add up to 10 percent to your monthly electric bill by doing nothing but being plugged in.
Before leaving home, unplug your “vampire” appliances, including:
- Televisions
- Computers
- Game systems
- Internet equipment
- Washer and dryer
- Coffee makers and any other kitchen appliances with a digital clock
Time Your Lighting
While we’d recommend not leaving lights on, if you do plan to leave a couple of lamps on while you’re away, put them on a timer and change out any older lightbulbs with energy-efficient LEDs or halogen incandescent ones.
Check Your Air Filters
Dirty air filters stifle airflow, which makes your A/C work harder. The result is higher electricity bills and expensive repairs. It’s much easier—and cheaper—to check your filter and replace or clean it, if necessary.
Turn Off Your Pool Heater and Cover Your Pool
Nothing improves your summer swimming like a propane pool heater, but you don’t want it running while you are miles from home. Turn your heater off when you leave and cover your pool to retain some of the heat as best as possible.
Tune Up Your Equipment
Did you use more fuel than usual this past winter? That might be because your equipment isn’t functioning at peak efficiency. Summer is a great time to arrange a comprehensive system tune-up from the Blue Flame team. We’ll get your system humming and ready for next winter, and you can enjoy some serious energy savings moving forward.
Blue Flame is always ready to help make your home more energy-efficient. Contact us to arrange service to your eastern Pennsylvania or New Jersey area home, today!