Summer Energy-Saving Tips

As the temperatures continue to rise in Memphis, air conditioners become just about every homeowner’s favorite appliance. Misusing these appliances can result in increased utility costs, many of which can easily be avoided.

When the weather is warm, you work hard to keep your home cool. Below are a few tips to ensure maximum savings while doing so:

• Using a ceiling fan allows you to raise your thermostat by 4°F without a noticeable change. Using fans will give the sensation it is 5 degrees cooler than it is.

• A ceiling fan creates a wind chill effect for people, not the room itself. So remember to turn off the fan when no one is there.

• After showers and baths, turn on your bathroom fan to remove excess heat and humidity. 

• Do not place lamps or televisions near the thermostat. The heat given off causes the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

• To block heat, keep blinds shut or curtains and drapes pulled closed on the side of the house that receives the most sun.

• Clean or replace air filters once a month. This is important to ensure there is no dust build-up. This restricts airflow and places stress on the system, which leads to unit deterioration and increased operation costs.

• Try to keep your average thermostat temperature set at 78°F. Each degree below that adds 6% to your cooling costs. Keep in mind that the slighter the difference between indoor and outdoor temperature, the less energy your system has to expend.

• Setting the thermostat lower than normal when turning on the air conditioner will not cool your home faster than normal, but it will result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

• Using a microwave or stove as opposed to an oven can help keep your house cooler.

• Try not to turn the AC down so low at night. Instead, sleep with light bedding and a fan or two, if needed.

• Keep the outside portion of your air conditioner clear of mud, grass and debris, as that blocks the air. It’s imperative that the condensing unit is allowed to breathe.

• Place shrubs or bushes around your air conditioning unit to provide shade and reduce your electricity usage by 10%. Just make sure the shrub or bush does not block airflow.

• Seal cracks and openings to reduce warm air entry into your home. For other ways to improve the efficiency of your windows, visit energy.gov.

• For more energy-saving tips, visit Memphis Light, Gas and Water’s Summer Tips page.

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