Summer energy saving tips | blog.firstffcu.com

Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and often higher utility bills. With the increased use of water, air conditioning, and overall energy consumption – managing these costs is crucial. First Financial is dedicated to helping you enjoy a cost-effective and comfortable summer. Here are some practical tips to save on your water bill and other utilities this season.

Understanding Summer Utility Costs

Summer utility bills can spike due to increased water usage for gardening, lawn upkeep, washing cars, outdoor activities, frequent showers, and more. Similarly, electric bills rise with the use of air conditioning. By making a few adjustments, you can keep these expenses in check.

Water Saving Tips

Check for Leaks Regularly: Even a small leak can waste significant amounts of water. Regularly check your faucets, toilets, and hoses for leaks and repair them promptly.
Water Wisely: Water your lawn early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation. Consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system, which delivers water directly to the roots, minimizing waste.
Install Water Efficient Fixtures: When it’s time to replace old, inefficient fixtures – opt for water saving alternatives. Low flow toilets, aerated faucets, and high efficiency showerheads can reduce water usage without sacrificing performance. Look for fixtures with the WaterSense label, indicating they meet EPA water efficiency standards.
Use Mulch: Mulching around plants retains moisture, reduces the need for frequent watering, and helps maintain soil temperature.
Don’t Pre-rinse: Instead of pre-rinsing your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, scrape or wipe them into the trash. Modern dishwashers are designed to handle dirty dishes without the need for excessive water use. Ensure your dishwasher is fully loaded before running it to maximize efficiency. The same goes for your summer laundry – there isn’t really a need to pre-soak your clothing before a regular washing machine cycle.

Energy Saving Tips

Optimize Air Conditioning:

Use a Programmable Thermostat: These devices can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, reducing energy use when you’re not home.
Clean and Replace Filters: Dirty filters reduce efficiency. Regularly clean or replace them to keep your system running smoothly.

Use Fans:

Ceiling Fans: Run ceiling fans counterclockwise to create a cooling breeze, which can make you feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.
Portable Fans: Place portable fans strategically to enhance airflow and reduce the need for air conditioning.

Block the Heat:

Close Blinds and Curtains: During the hottest parts of the day, close blinds and curtains to block out the sun’s heat.

Long-Term Solutions

Upgrade to Energy Efficient Appliances: Consider replacing old appliances with energy efficient models, which use less water and electricity.
Improve Home Insulation: Proper insulation keeps your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
Install Solar Panels: While it is an upfront investment, solar panels can significantly reduce your energy bills and even allow you to sell excess power back to the grid.

Financial Assistance for Utilities

Many states including New Jersey, offer programs to help lower income households with utility costs. Check with local government or your utility provider for available assistance programs.

By implementing these summer utility savings tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and budget-friendly season. Remember, small changes can lead to significant savings.

For more personalized assistance and tailored solutions call 732.312.1500, visit a branch, or explore our services online.

Ah, summertime. The time of year when air conditioners are on full blast and families are flocking to the pool or beach. If you haven’t already noticed how hot it’s been this season, then you certainly will when you receive your next energy bill. You don’t need to have a hefty bill just to stay cool. Here are our tips for saving energy in your home this summer while keeping costs down.

Stop hot air from entering your home

You might not realize it, but there’s likely pesky hot hair leaking into your home through windows. About 30% of a home’s heating energy is lost that way. You can stop this from happening by installing window coverings like drapes, shades, plastic films, shutters, awnings, or storm windows.

Heat is also able to make its way into your home through cracks. You may want to consider hiring a weatherization expert to assess your home for air tightness. In the meantime, you can caulk, weatherstrip, and seal air leaks in doors, windows, plumbing, floors, ceilings, and areas where electrical wiring comes through walls. Keep in mind that air sealing is a temporary solution to reduce heat flow and proper insulation will eventually need to be applied.

Adjust your energy use

Rethinking the way you use energy in your home is easier than you think. From lighting and water use, there are so many small adjustments you can make that can have a big impact on your final bill. Here are a few to get you started:

Switch to LED lighting – it uses 75% less energy and lasts up to 25 times longer!
Take advantage of natural daylight, but keep the curtains closed to avoid getting too hot.
Wait to use energy until “off-peak” hours such as early mornings or later at night.
Ensure all devices are unplugged when not in use.
Wash full loads of dishes and clothes in bulk for better efficiency.
Doublecheck that your refrigerator and freezer doors are sealed airtight and try limiting the number of times you open them.

Keep your cooling system up-to-date

Aside from getting regular maintenance, there are other ways to ensure your cooling equipment is running as efficiently as possible.

Regularly clean or replace your air conditioner filter or coil.
Move your air conditioner away from lamps, TVs, and other appliances that can cause the thermostat to sense heat and run longer than necessary.
Ensure furniture and other objects are not blocking airflow from your cooling system.
Consider a programmable thermostat that will automatically be set warmer when you’re away and cooler when you’re home.
Avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you first turn on your air conditioner.
Utilize fans and ventilation in rooms with extra humidity, like your bathroom or kitchen.

Saving energy isn’t just a summer consideration – it’s something that can be done all year long. Getting into good habits now will help you reduce waste, improve efficiency, and save money. In the meantime, we hope you’re able to stay cool and enjoy the beautiful weather this summer. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, too!

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