Temperatures across the state are rising and with many Californians still doing their part by staying at home, it’s important for residents to remember that as temperatures go up, so will energy bills.
With these tips from Energy Upgrade California, residents don’t have to sweat energy use and may be able to save money:
• Check the A/C: Two-thirds of all homes in California have air conditioners. Make a difference and stay comfortable just by adjusting your A/C to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
• Leave space to vent: A/C vents need room to breathe, too. Keep vents clear to ensure the best possible ventilation since obstructing vents blocks air, wastes energy and may even pose a fire hazard.
• Shut the shades: During the daytime, sunlight passing through windows heats the home, making your A/C work harder. Stay cool by keeping blinds or drapes closed on sunny days.
• Become a fan of fans: When it gets warm instead of turning up the A/C, use a personal fan to keep air circulating and stay just as comfortable while reducing your cooling costs.
• Keep cool air where it belongs: Ensure that you’re A/C isn’t working overtime. Consider sealing and insulating windows to keep hot air out and cool air in.Insulate the attic and walls and seal openings to prevent warm air leaks. Insulate and seal ducts to reduce about 30 percent of a cooling system’s energy consumption.
• Dial down the water heater: Turn the home water heater’s temperature down a few degrees to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to save energy without breaking a sweat.
By taking a few of these easy actions, residents can stay cool, efficient and help keep California golden. Learn more ways to save energy and money by visiting www.energyupgradeca.org.
