Summer is just around the corner, which means many of us will often run our AC on full blast. While an AC does provide comfort from the heat, they also use a lot of electricity. If you want to reduce energy at home and save money, here are some simple tips for those scorching summer days.
1. Use a fan
It’s cheaper to purchase and uses as little as 1/10th of the electricity to run, making the fan a great alternative to an air conditioner. Remember to switch the fan off when you exit the room.
2. Block out the sun
Install roof awnings or overhangs to shade windows from the hot sun. A good overhang will allow the sun in during the colder months, saving you energy and money during both summer and winter.
3. Insulate
Insulate your ceiling to make your home up to 10°C cooler in summer and 5°C warmer in winter. This can save you up to 16% of the electricity you need annually to heat or cool your home.
4. Seal gaps
Trace any cracks under doors and around windows with a burning stick of incense or the palm of your hand. Then, block them by applying weatherstripping or caulk. This will help keep warm air out of your home, which is crucial in summer.
5. Renovate
Renovating may be a more costly option, but it can also increase the value and enjoyment of your house. So why not install transom windows above doors to help heat flow through and out of your home? If mosquitoes cause you to close windows on summer nights, invest in screens.
6. Use your AC wisely
Though best avoided, if you absolutely must use your AC, use it economically. Keep the temperature in the ‘Golden Zone’ (between 18°C and 22°C), but keep an eye on the outside “ambient” temperature and try to minimise the difference from outdoors to indoors – consider notching up the air con a few degrees on a particularly hot day. It will feel cool anyway, use less electricity, and prolong the life of your unit.
Navigate to become energy efficient for more tips and advice on how to save energy and money all year long.
All information provided by savingelectricity.org.za