It’s summertime; it’s getting hot, and electricity usage is rising just as fast as the temperature. The Electrical Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is expecting above average energy usage this summer. As we begin looking for ways to cool off, we often start looking for ways to save energy at the same time. While there are many ways to shave off some of your usage (and we recommend doing as much as you can), NEC wants wants you to know 5 impactful ways to conserve electricity this summer!
1. Turn your AC up to 78 degrees or as high as you can stand it.
While NEC has always recommended setting your AC to 78 degrees during the summer to help keep your summertime bills as low as possible, this is also one of the best ways to conserve energy. Even turning the setting up three or four degrees helps. Remember—the smaller the difference between the temperature outside versus the temperature you set inside your home, the more energy you’re saving!
2. Avoid taking showers between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
There are a couple of reasons this tip is so effective in saving energy. For one, water heaters use quite a bit of electricity. Secondly, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. is typically the part of the day when the demand for energy peaks. This is because it is often the hottest part of the day and more people are home during this time, so households typically consume a lot of electricity during this time frame.
3. Wash clothes in cold water, and don’t wash or dry laundry between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
The reasons for this are basically the same as mentioned above. Washing your laundry in cold water will not pull extra energy from your water heater while using your washing machine—a great electricity saving tip for any time of the year. Clothes dryers use quite a bit of energy, and the afternoon and evening are when usage normally peaks. Avoiding using as much energy as possible during peak demand periods helps to relieve strain on the electric grid.
4. Avoid heating up your home by cooking outdoors.
Yes, avoiding the use of your electric oven will help conserve, but this is helpful for those with gas ranges, as well. No matter the type of oven you have, cooking inside heats up your home. This causes your AC to use more energy to cool your home to the temperature your thermostat is set for. Cooking outside will help keep the inside of your home cooler and help save energy.
5. Upgrade to energy efficient appliances.
Refrigerators have come a long way when it comes to energy efficiency. A model from 5 or 10 years ago might be costing you twice to run vs. a newer, more energy-efficient model. If you have a refrigerator that is well into its years, it might be high time to replace it or consider an upgrade.