Metric Plumbing
- Jun 8, 2022
- 2 min read

5 OF THE BEST WAYS TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS IN THE SUMMER

One of our greatest responsibilities as plumbers and HVAC tech’s is to inform our community on ways that we can be better at conserving water and be more energy efficient.

In the summer is when we tend to use the most energy by keeping our homes cool. We tend to over run our Air Conditioners and fans. It’s also the spring and late summer hosts hurricane season so our sump pumps and tend to work hardest during these months. Our pool and jacuzzi pumps are tubing and we are using the gas lines to grill for family and friends.

These are sources of energy create the best memories and are essential for outdoor summer fun. However, these are 5 of the best ways to be conscious and make slight changes to reduce our energy use.

1. OPERATE YOUR THERMOSTAT EFFICIENTLY

Set your thermostat at a temperature you find comfortable and that provides humidity control, if needed. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting when you return home and need cooling. A programmable thermostat allows you to do this automatically and without sacrificing comfort.
Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you first turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

2. USE FANS AND VENTILATION STRATEGIES TO COOL YOUR HOME

Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.
Install Whole-House Fans. This brings in cooler nighttime air and let Mother Nature cool your house.
When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation.
Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).

3. LOWER YOUR WATER HEATING COSTS

Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends setting your water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding. The lower setting will also conserve energy and save money.
To conserve hot water, you can fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures, insulate accessible hot water lines, and purchase an ENERGY STAR certified dishwasher and clothes washer.
The final was we can keep not only our plants but ourself safe is by ridden our air and water of pollutants. There are many water filtration and air filtration systems that can be installed into your home.

4. CLOSE DOORS, DRAPES AND BLINDS WHEN UNUSED

If you have central air, close doors and vents to unused rooms to reduce the area your system must cool. Seal Holes and Cracks Around Windows and Doors
Use caulk and weather stripping to keep cool air in and warm air out.

5. REPLACE OLD APPLIANCES