Summer Cooling and Energy Saving Tips
Posted on June 17, 2021 by Charlotte Shuff
Tags, Energy
Summer is upon us and so is the hot weather. In the first week of June, temperatures in Southern Oregon topped 100F and Northwest Oregon reached above 90F. With higher temperatures come higher energy bills. Here are a few ways that you can lower your energy usage and stay cool this summer.
Passive Cooling Techniques
While A/C is an important tool for many people to stay cool, about 30 percent of Oregonians do not have A/C in their homes. Whether you have A/C or not, using passive cooling techniques can help you stay cooler while using little to no energy.
Open your windows if it is cooler outside than inside. If the outside temperature gets above the indoor temperature, make sure your windows are fully closed and locked. Open windows at night or when the outside temperature is below the inside temperature. Adding box fans to your windows can help encourage air flow. For multi-story homes, face the fans upstairs pointing out to vent hot air and face the fans downstairs pointing inside to pull in cool air. For single story homes, face all the fans pointing inside to get more cool air from outside.
Block sunlight from coming in. Sunlight is one of the main ways that spaces heat up during the summer. Blocking sunlight from hitting the inside and outside of your home is an easy way to keep down the heat inside before turning on A/C. Cover windows (especially those that are south-facing) with blinds, curtains, or even blankets during the day. Install window awnings to block the sun from hitting windows. Plant shading trees to block the sun from hitting the outside of your home.
Slow indoor heat by stopping drafts and adding insulation. Adding weatherization, air sealing, and/or insulation to your home can keep the warm air from coming in. Find and seal air leaks, especially around doors and windows, using caulking and weatherstripping. Renters can use rope caulk or adhesive weatherstripping for a non-permanent option. For wood burning fireplaces, install a chimney plug or cover the fireplace with foam insulation to prevent air leaks. Install insulation in the attic and walls for more energy efficiency.
Use fans to cool your body instead of your space. Fans can help you feel cooler without having to turn up the A/C. Remember that a fan makes your body feel cooler, but fans alone do not lower the temperature inside your home. Box fans or oscillating fans can be helpful in cooling down your body. Set ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze.
Use Your A/C Efficiently
Passive cooling can be very effective for many homes, but some households require A/C to stay cool and healthy during the summer. When you do turn on your A/C, make sure that you are using it wisely.
Set your thermostat strategically. Set the thermostat between 73-79F when you are home, or as high as is comfortably possible, and raise the temperature by 10 degrees when you are away or asleep. Use a programmable thermostat or smart thermostat to make this change automatically. Avoid turning the thermostat down past your ideal room temperature when you first get home. Turning it down excessively will not speed up cooling and will increase energy costs.
Cool only the space you are using. For portable or window A/C units, close the door to only cool the rooms you are using. Leaving doors open can increase the amount of energy your A/C needs to use. Turn the A/C off if you open the windows.
Maintain your A/C unit. Clean the heating coils before the first use of the season (or hire someone to do it for you.) Having a clean A/C unit will make it run more efficiently. If you are renting, ask your landlord to do a maintenance check on your A/C unit to make sure it is working properly.
Take Advantage of Incentives and Education for Cooling Efficiently
- DIY Cooling Workshop: For customers of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power, check out the free DIY Cooling Workshop from Community Energy Project. Qualified participants may receive a free kit of materials.
- Energy Efficiency Upgrades: For customers of PGE, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power, the Energy Trust of Oregon can help you get incentives for energy efficiency upgrades. Incentives include rebates on insulation, heat pumps, smart thermostats, and more.
- Ask your electricity provider about energy efficiency programs: Some electric utilities have partnered with community organizations to provide low- or no-cost energy efficiency upgrades such as smart thermostats. See what programs your utility offers on their website or by calling customer service.
Stay cool and have an energy efficient summer!
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06/17/21 | 0 Comments | Summer Cooling and Energy Saving Tips