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To protect the health of our staff and our customers, Efficiency Vermont offices are closed to the public. In the meantime, our customer support team is available to help you remotely. Contact us at (888) 921-5990 or info@efficiencyvermont.com.
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Summer guide to energy savings & comfort
Tips to minimize your energy costs and help you relax in comfort this summer.
It’s finally summer and many Vermonters are enjoying backyard BBQs, trips to their favorite swimming holes, and maple creemees. Now that temperatures are rising and the sun is shining you can still stay cool without spending more on your energy bills.
Using an air-conditioner isn’t the only answer to beating the heat during Vermont summers.
- On a breezy day, cool your home by opening up your windows. The wind will create a “chimney effect,” drawing air in through the windows and creating a cross-breeze.
- Open your windows and use a fan to pull cool air indoors at night. Nighttime air is cooler outdoors than it is in your home. During the day close your windows and draw your window coverings to keep the cool air inside.
- Use room fans to create a breeze that will keep you cool and comfortable. Fans come in a variety of options, including ENERGY STAR® certified ceiling, table, floor, and wall-mounted. Don’t forget to shut the fan off when you leave the room, though. Despite what the name suggests, room fans cool people, not rooms.
- Use your bath fan to remove heat and moisture generated by showers. Also, if your kitchen range hood fan exhausts to the outdoors, use it to remove hot air while cooking.
- Lower shades during the day to reduce solar heat gain and the need for cooling
- Clean air conditioner filters on a regular basis. Keep the front and back of units unobstructed
- Avoid using the oven. Instead, get the grill going and enjoy the taste of a grilled meal. Delay heat-producing tasks like laundry or washing the dishes until cooler evening or early morning hours to reduce warm air from the dryer being drawn into your home
- Use energy-efficient lighting: ENERGY STAR LEDs operate cooler and cost you less to use
- Caulk around window and door frames; use weather stripping on exterior doors and windows
- To block heat and sunlight, plant shade trees on the east and west sides of your home
- Improve window efficiency: Most windows can be repaired at a fraction of the cost of getting new windows
- Fill gaps along the sides of room air conditioners to keep outside air from leaking in
Heading to the beach or maybe camping? The last thing you want to worry about while you are away is your energy bills. Take these steps reduce energy waste before you leave home.
- Turn your water heater down to the lowest temperature setting
- Turn off your air conditioner or raise the temperature- no need to keep it cool while you’re not home
- Turn off all unnecessary lights
- Switch off computers and power strips and unplug small appliances and electronics
- Close window shades and drapes to block out the heat from the sun
