01 Jul
As we dive into one of Colorado’s hottest months, we’re all about energy efficiency. By cutting down on your energy usage you can save on those monthly bills. Here are some tips to make your home more energy-efficient:
Improve home insulation
Adding more insulation to an attic keeps hot air out in the summer. Seal the biggest leaks in the house and check the holes that were cut for plumbing pipes. Use a can of spray foam, available at any hardware store, to seal these leaks.
Filters
Clean or replace filters in your HVAC system to help it run more efficiently. This is just as important in the summer months as it is in the winter months. A dirty air filter is one of the main reasons central air conditioning systems freeze up in the summer. This causes very high usage, with little to no cooling.
Energy-efficient appliances
If you are in the market for new appliances, look for those that have ENERGY STAR certification. Energy- efficient appliances use the lowest energy possible to perform their tasks.
Unplug unused electronics
One of the easiest ways to be energy-efficient is to unplug electronics and appliances that are not regularly used. The most effective appliances to unplug are computers and laptops, game consoles, light fixtures and cell phone chargers.
Install smart thermostats
Smart thermostats are Wi-Fi enabled devices that control heating and cooling in your home by learning your temperature preferences and schedule to automatically adjust to energy-saving temperatures when you are asleep or away. They can help you lower your energy bills by not working to heat or cool an empty house.
Keep peak demand as low as possible
To avoid high peak demand charges between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., limit use of multiple high-powered devices at the same time. If you are an electric vehicle owner, remember to charge your EV during off-peak hours. Many apps allow you to adjust your charging time and duration to ensure you are the most energy-efficient.
For more information, visit www.CORE.coop > News and Resources > Energy Efficiency.