Cutting summer energy costs? No sweat
Burlington, VT
Summer officially begins tomorrow. With warmer days on the horizon Efficiency Vermont offers tips to stay cool while spending less on energy:
- Block the Heat. Caulk around window and exterior door frames and use weather stripping on exterior doors. When it’s hotter outside than inside, close your windows and draw window coverings against direct sunlight.
- Is the House Hotter than the Outdoors? Open your windows and use a window fan – blowing out. That will push out hot air and pull in cool air through other, nearby open windows.
- Control Moisture. Use your bath fan to remove shower heat and moisture. Don’t have a bath fan? Install a quiet, low-energy bath fan with the ENERGY STAR® label. Be sure to duct it to the outdoors to avoid creating moisture and mold problems. And if your kitchen fan exhausts to the outdoors, use it while cooking or baking.
- Adjust Your Schedule. When possible, use cooler evening hours for tasks that produce heat and/or moisture, like dishwashing, baking, laundry, showers, and baths.
- Make Your Lights Cool and Smart. 90% of an incandescent light bulb’s energy is lost as heat. Replace those hot bulbs with ENERGY STAR labeled LEDs, which stay cooler and use about 80% less energy. With “smart” lighting, turn off lights remotely, set automated timers, and make it look like you’re home when you’re not – great for peace of mind during your summer vacation.
- Dry Clothes for Free. Hang laundry outside to dry. You’ll save the cost of running the clothes dryer while reducing moisture in the house.
- Using A/C? Keep heat out by seeing that there are no gaps along the sides of your window air conditioner or between window sashes. Clean your air conditioner filters regularly and keep the front and back of air conditioners unobstructed.
- Buying an Air Conditioner? Check out Efficiency Vermont’s new $200 rebate for innovative ENERGY STAR Emerging Technology Award window units. Efficient Variable Output technology varies the speed of the internal compressor motor to continuously control the temperature, which means regulating the temperature more quietly and saving energy. To find a retailer near you, qualified products, and guidance on finding a model that’s appropriately sized for the room you’re cooling, visit www.efficiencyvermont.com/window-AC
- Time for a heat pump? A ductless heat pump unit is a tremendous energy saver for both cooling and heating. Numerous incentives are available right now – up to $500 point-of-purchase discounts from Efficiency Vermont plus additional $250-$575 incentives from various partners. Find out if a heat pump is right for you at www.efficiencyvermont.com/heatpump
- Button up your home. An insulated, air-sealed house stays warmer in winter AND cooler in summer. Rebates and financing are available, whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or hiring an Efficiency Excellence Network contractor to do a whole-house assessment and make improvements. Learn more at https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/rebates/list?cat=Insulation%2C+Windows+%26+Doors&type=Residential
- Are You a Do-It-Yourselfer? Find tips and resources to help you air seal and insulate your home yourself at www.efficiencyvermont.com/DIY
- Considering Efficient Windows? Beware that the purchase price is rarely paid back by energy savings. This investment usually makes the most sense when you’re replacing a non-functional window or if you’re putting a window in a space for the first time. You can make your windows perform nearly as well as new ones but at a fraction of the cost. Replace cracked panes and glazing, run a bead of caulk around window frames, and use easily installed Low-E storm windows.
- Have Questions? Contact Efficiency Vermont’s Customer Support team with any questions about your energy use and to get tips to help you take control of your energy bills. Call 888-921-5990 or send an email to [email protected].
About Efficiency Vermont
As the nation’s first Energy Efficiency Utility, Efficiency Vermont has helped Vermont avoid over 13.2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions and has received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR program Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence award for the last eight consecutive years. Efficiency Vermont works with partners to help our state transition to more affordable, low carbon energy use through education, incentives, and support for our clean energy workforce. Learn more at www.efficiencyvermont.com.
Efficiency Vermont Press Contact
Matthew Smith
Phone: (802) 540-7662
[email protected]