While conserving energy should always be a concern, during the extremely warm temperatures this is an especially difficult task. During the very hot days of summer the time you spend outdoors is limited. As a result, we spend more time indoors, which causes us to use more energy. There are many ways to conserve energy and replace it with the natural resources we have in abundance.
During the summer months, we have more hours of daylight. This is helpful in reducing the amount of energy we use in lighting. Remember to turn off lights during the day, when there is natural sunlight.
During summer cooking daily meals in the kitchen can make the house very hot, even with air conditioning. You can cut down on the amount of heat you generate by preparing daytime meals that require very little to no energy at all to prepare, such as meals that consist of salads, sandwiches, and fresh fruit. Cooking dinner on an outside grill will conserve energy and can also save on a few calories as well.
When buying new appliances, including air conditioners, look for those that are ENERGY STAR rated, which means they are more energy efficient than traditional appliances. To add to the conservation of energy, close the blinds and curtains on hot days. Installing white window shades or blinds will reflect heat away from your house. Use fans to circulate the air throughout the room. The use of whole-house fans help cool your home by pulling cool air into the house and exhausting warm air through the attic.
These are just a few easy steps that we can take during the summer months. You will save money on your energy bill, and you will also ensure a brighter future with abundant resources. With a little thought and planning, we can take measures, in all seasons, to conserve money and energy. For more tips on conserving energy visit Energy Star.