(KANSAS CITY, Kan.) — Energy conservation has two great results, it is good for the environment and can save you money on your electric utility bill. The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU) shares some tricks to save during these hot summer days.
Adjust your thermostat
The Department of Energy says homes should be kept at 78 degrees when home during the day, 82 degrees when sleeping and 85 degrees when out of the house for maximum savings. But if that sounds too high, adjust it in a different way: Turn your thermostat up 7 to 10 degrees from your normal setting for eight hours a day. This will save you up to 10% a year.
Windows
Everyone knows heat rises, so open them when it is hot inside, the hot air will vent out. But if you have double-hung windows, you can cool your house with an even more efficient trick.
Think of an airplane wing. When air passes over your house, open the bottom section of the windows on the upwind side of the house and the top section of the downwind side. The low pressure will suck the air through your house, making it cooler. How can you tell which side is upwind and which side is downwind? Pull out your weather app. It will tell you which way the wind is blowing for the entire day. Then you can use the compass app to tell you which windows face each way (if you don't already know).
When to run appliances
The washer, dryer, dishwasher, etc. are things that should be run at night. They heat up your house and make your A/C go into overdrive.
Lower water heater temperature
Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. Most manufacturers' factory settings are around 140 degrees. By adjusting your temperature down to 120 degrees, the Department of Energy estimates that you can save anywhere from $36 to $61 annually. In fact, for every 10 degrees lower, you can save 3 to 5% on your bill.
Phantom energy
Appliances that are plugged in but not turned on can still suck energy. They end up costing you an average of $100 a year. Electronics with a timer and LED displays like TVs, gaming consoles, the coffee maker, printer, etc. are especially bad. Turn them off to save money.
Bathroom and kitchen fans
Turn the bathroom fan and exhaust fan in your kitchen on to drag the hot air that rises and push it out of your home.
Dehumidifiers Dry air feels cooler than humid air, and your A/C will need to do less work if it's working alongside a good-quality dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers suck the moisture out of the summer air, making it much more comfortable, even at higher temperatures. To save on electricity costs, get a built-in unit that turns off when the humidity drops below a targeted level. If not a large one, a small one for your room is helpful.
Your fan is in the wrong place
Because fans keep air moving around, rather than cooling the air, it's best to set up your fans in windows or hallways so you can create a cross breeze that will draw in cooler air.