Energy Efficiency

By Energy Advisor Peter Niagu

It’s that time of year when summer is in full swing. Long sunny days, the aroma of BBQ, ice-cold lemonade, ever-so-distinct sound, and cicadas filling the air. To me, these are some of the best flavors, sights, and sounds of summer, and I love them all! 

However, with all the great things of summer comes the not-so-great! Many of us experience anywhere from a 40%-50% increase in electric use during the summer months. Here are some ways to get the most out of your electric usage. 

Storm season is in full swing. Many summer storms have the potential to produce tornadoes ­— they can happen anytime, anywhere, and can bring winds over 200 miles per hour. 

As adults, we understand the importance of storm safety, but younger children and teens may not realize the dangers storms pose. That’s why it’s important to talk to your family and have a storm plan in place. Here are several tips you can share with your loved ones. 

Before the storm

If you are like most Americans, you have at least one ceiling fan in your home. Ceiling fans help our indoor life feel more comfortable. They are a decorative addition to our homes and, if used properly, can help lower energy costs.

A hot home and high energy bills can take away from summer fun. Here are 10 tips to prepare your home for high summer temperatures:

What causes energy bills to suddenly increase?

Energy costs vary, but here are four common reasons why they may suddenly increase:

The record-setting cold temperatures in late January kept most of us indoors and looking for ways to stay warm. Please be aware that you may see higher-than-normal electric bills next month, which begs the question: “Why does my bill go up when it’s cold outside?”

Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as their name says: heat a small space. Unfortunately, many people use portable space heaters to heat their entire home, which can really take a toll on your energy bills. The truth is, whether or not you should use space heaters really depends on your home’s efficiency and energy needs. 

Whether you’ve already decked your halls or you’re just getting started, there’s still time to incorporate energy savings into your holiday décor planning.

If you haven’t strung your twinkle lights, be sure to use LED light strands. LEDs consume far less energy than incandescent lights, and they can last 40 holiday seasons.
They’re also safer because they’re made with epoxy lenses, not glass, making them more resistant to breaking — and they’re cool to the touch, so no burnt fingers!

Thanksgiving meals are an important part of the celebrations you share with family and friends. All of that extra cooking and baking, however, can lead to a real post-season letdown after you see the added cost on your energy bill. These simple, cost-saving tips will help you enjoy the festivities while trimming your energy budget.

Heat pump technology has improved a lot over the past 10 to 20 years, and many members are looking to install a heat pump or upgrade their current system. Heat pumps can also cool your home during the summer months, which is an added value. Here are a few situations where you might use the different types of air-source heat pumps. 

1. Ducted heat pump