{"id":3835,"date":"2018-07-05T17:36:58","date_gmt":"2018-07-05T21:36:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.justenergy.com\/blog\/?p=3835"},"modified":"2018-07-05T17:36:58","modified_gmt":"2018-07-05T21:36:58","slug":"6-energy-conservation-tips-for-the-summer-months","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/davenoel.ca\/sitp\/jeblog\/2018\/07\/05\/6-energy-conservation-tips-for-the-summer-months\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Energy Conservation Tips for the Summer Months"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the temperatures rise, so does our daily energy use. You can thank the humidity as well as the heat. You’re likely blasting your air conditioning during the hottest time of the day to stay cool, which usually coincides with the hours that energy prices are at their highest. The desire to be comfortable at home leads to poor energy choices, but it doesn’t have to. <\/span><\/p>\n

Many people use energy without considering what the consequences will be. Does the small act of turning off a light or lowering the air conditioning really make a difference? Sometimes it’s hard to look at the big picture. It’s much easier to concentrate on areas where we are directly impacted, like our utility bill. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are multiple benefits of energy conservation, including a lower utility bill and a healthier environment. Even small changes in your energy consumption can make a huge impact. <\/span><\/p>\n

Why Is It Important to Conserve Energy?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Every time we flip a switch, turn on the faucet, or plug in a laptop, we\u2019re using energy. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s instantaneous. The lights come on. The water flows. The \u201cwelcome\u201d screen on the laptop greets us. But what goes unseen is the release of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide. <\/span><\/p>\n

Traditional methods of power generation unleash these gases. It\u2019s a punishment to the planet. Smog ruins our breathable air. Temperatures around the world rise and fall haphazardly. <\/span><\/p>\n

We need energy, but we also need to reduce our overall consumption. Take the first steps by creating an energy conservation plan this summer. <\/span><\/p>\n

What Are the Benefits of Energy Conservation?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Saving money is the first reason most people research energy conservation. It\u2019s a fantastic motivator, but not the only energy conservation benefit to keep in mind. Don\u2019t forget about other benefits, including keeping our environment <\/span>safe and clean<\/span><\/a>, boosting the economy, and protecting fragile ecosystems like reefs.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s easier to conserve energy at home because you have control over your usage. Small actions such as turning the lights off to installing a smart thermostat can make a big impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

The truth is, energy conservation at home is surprisingly simple. You don\u2019t need a huge budget for complicated home improvement projects. All you need is a goal and a good idea of where you are using the most energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Increased Comfort<\/span><\/h4>\n

Energy conservation helps people live better. Or rather, more comfortably. Consider <\/span>home insulation<\/span><\/a>, for example. Cold air is less likely to escape your home during warm summer days if your home is properly insulated. A well-insulated home helps during the winter by preventing warm air from dissipating. You won\u2019t need to blast the air conditioner or heater as often. <\/span><\/p>\n

Help the Economy<\/span><\/h4>\n

Help the local economy flourish with energy efficient products and appliances. When you lower your energy consumption, you decrease your communities reliance on imported energy sources keeping money in your state or city. Demand for more-efficient appliances and buildings spurs innovation and creates <\/span>new jobs<\/span><\/a> for the development and delivery of energy-saving products, smart devices, and management services. <\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just your local community that benefits, however. For citizens and businesses all over the country, energy efficient practices can save millions or even billions of dollars. Carbon-free or carbon-neutral energy alternatives like solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower are becoming more common around the world. <\/span><\/p>\n

Energy Independence<\/span><\/h4>\n

We\u2019re less likely to rely on conflict-burdened areas for energy when efficient solutions temper our demand. Right now, our country depends <\/span>on oil<\/span><\/a> from other nations. Oil fuels our cars, trucks, and airplanes. We rely on it for electricity and heat generation, but using it comes at great cost to the environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

The consumption of fossil fuels like oil causes water and air pollution, affecting our health and innumerable ecosystems. Using carbon-free resources (such as the sun, water, and wind) is a safer option that\u2019s feasible for many countries with the proper infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Does Energy Conservation Save Me Money?<\/span><\/h3>\n

Conserving energy is a money-saver because reducing consumption lowers your utility bill, especially during on-peak hours when rates may be higher. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Overconsumption starts small. It could be as innocuous as using the dishwasher for every cup and bowl, regardless if it\u2019s full or not. Maybe it\u2019s something like running the dryer, full duration, for a just couple socks and t-shirts. <\/span><\/p>\n

Appliances (like the two in the above example) can make up <\/span>30% or more<\/span><\/a> of your household energy usage. You\u2019ll see it add up on your usage meter. <\/span>Changing your energy usage habits<\/span><\/a> and using energy-efficient appliances and smarter devices, can impact your finances. <\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t get overwhelmed! While there are many actions you can take to save energy this summer, you don\u2019t have to do them all. Even just a few small changes can have an impact. Read the six tips below and see which ones will work for your family.<\/span><\/p>\n

Purchase Energy Efficient Appliances<\/span><\/h2>\n

Some household appliances are specifically built for energy efficiency. Using these appliances consumes less energy than non-efficient appliances. It also reduces the amount you owe on your utility bill. <\/span><\/p>\n

Keeping costs in mind is important. You may only be thinking about the upfront costs of buying the appliance, but what about the monthly costs of using it? Washing machines, dryers, and refrigerators can devour energy if they\u2019re old, poorly-maintained, or weren\u2019t built for efficiency. Your utility bill reflects their energy efficiency. While a new dryer might cost a few hundred dollars, you can recoup that cost over a few years.<\/span><\/p>\n

ENERGY STAR Appliances<\/span><\/h3>\n

So, how do you know if a new appliance is energy efficient? Look for the <\/span>Energy Star\u00ae label<\/span><\/a>. This label signifies the appliance is certified by the government to reduce energy costs by a minimum of 30%. <\/span><\/p>\n

You can find the Energy Star\u00ae label on many common household appliances including<\/span><\/p>\n