The summer heat in Las Vegas can be extreme, with temperatures often surpassing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperatures result in high energy bills as homeowners try to keep their homes cool and comfortable. However, there are steps that you can take to make your home more energy-efficient before summer hits, which can help you save money on your energy bills. In this blog, we’ll discuss five energy-saving tips to help you get your electrical use summer-ready.
Make Sure You Have an Energy Efficient AC System
An outdated or malfunctioning AC system can quickly drain energy and rack up costs. Before the summer heat hits, consider updating your AC system to a newer, more energy-efficient model. Modern AC units are designed to consume less energy while delivering more efficient cooling. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also ensure your AC is functioning properly when you need it most.
It is a big investment, we know, but a new AC unit can also provide better air quality by filtering out pollutants, allergens, and other particles that can affect your health. A dirty or old AC unit can circulate allergens and pollutants throughout your home, leading to respiratory problems and allergies.
Get Smart with a Smart Thermostat
Investing in a smart thermostat is another way to increase your home’s energy efficiency. These devices can recognize your habits and automatically adjust the temperature to optimize energy savings. Smart thermostats can learn your preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly, reducing your energy usage without compromising your comfort.
Additionally, many smart thermostats can be adjusted remotely, allowing you to control your AC while you’re away from home. This feature can be incredibly convenient, especially if you’re forgetful and tend to leave your AC on when you’re not home. NV Energy offers a free Smart Thermostat! Visit https://www.nvenergy.com/save-with-powershift/smart-thermostat to learn the details. There is a guide to install it yourself or we can tackle it for you.
Stop Leaks
Air leaks are a common problem that can cause cool air to escape your home and force your AC to work harder. By sealing air leaks around windows and doors, you can prevent cool air from escaping and decrease your energy usage. This is a simple fix that can save you a lot of money in the long run.
To check for air leaks, hold a candle or incense stick near windows and doors. If the flame flickers or the smoke blows away from the window or door, you likely have an air leak. Use weatherstripping or caulking to seal these gaps and prevent cool air from escaping.
Using Fans Makes Good Sense
Using fans to cool one room can be a cost-effective alternative to cooling your entire house. Fans use less energy than air conditioners and can make a significant difference in temperature. Consider using a fan in the room you spend the most time in instead of lowering the temperature of your entire home.
Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air throughout your home and reduce your AC usage. Running your ceiling fan counterclockwise in the summer can create a cool breeze, making it easier to keep your home comfortable without using too much energy.
Get Cooking and Grilling Outdoors
Cooking indoors can quickly heat up your home and force your AC to work overtime. Consider investing in a grill for outdoor cooking, especially for foods with strong odors. This will prevent the need to open windows, which can bring in more hot summer air and increase your energy usage.
Grilling also adds a unique flavor to your food that you can’t replicate in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the beautiful summer weather. If grilling isn’t an option, consider using smaller appliances, like slow cookers or toaster ovens, which produce less heat than traditional ovens and stovetops.
There are many things you can do to prepare your home for the Vegas summer and decrease your energy bills. Whether it’s investing in a newer, more energy-efficient AC system, sealing air leaks, or using fans to cool one room, small changes can make a big impact. Remember to be mindful of your energy usage and consider cost-saving measures to ensure you don’t use too much energy. For all your electrical installation needs, contact Sin City Electrical at (702) 276-9711.