Quick and Easy Ways to Save Energy this Summer in Jacksonville

When it comes to wasting energy in your home, there can be many contributors. Things such as a faulty Air Conditioning system, lights left on when no one is in the room and small leaks around doors or windows can be the largest contributors. Keeping your home efficient and your air conditioning system clean and running properly are very crucial steps to saving energy in your Jacksonville home. There are many quick and easy, low cost ways you can save energy and a little money this summer.

Jacksonville Energy Saving Tips

Turn up your Thermostat

Purchasing a Programmable Thermostat is a great, inexpensive way to save energy. A programmable thermostat gives you the ability to schedule certain temperatures at specific times. For example, during the summer you can have your thermostat automatically set to 85 degrees while you are at work or school, then have it go to 75 degrees right before you get home. That way you can save energy during the day, but still enjoy a coming home to a comfortable home.

Cut Down on Wasted Energy

A simple thing such as turning off lights when you are not in the room can save you up to 2% on your energy bill. Turn off or unplug things such as chargers, coffee makers, curling irons, etc… Many appliances can use energy even when they are turned off. Also, if you plug your computer, printer and scanner up to a multiple socket surge protector, you can switch the surge protector off without having to unplug each individual device.

Replace Air Conditioner Filters

Keeping the filters clean in your air conditioning system, reduces the amount of time it takes for your ac system to cool and move the air in the room. It also reduces the amount of strain on the equipment. Contact your local Jacksonville Air Conditioning Company and order a box of filters. They are inexpensive and should be changed every 1 to 2 months.

Plug Your Homes Leaks

The fewer holes you have in your home, the less energy escapes. Inspect the windows and doors of your home and check for any warm air that may be coming in around the seals. If you do, you can purchase door and window seal guards from your home improvement store for very little money. If you have really old windows you may want to look into replacing them with Energy Star windows.

DO NOT Hand Wash Dishes

This is one fact that many people love to hear. Washing dishes by hand uses twice the amount of water that is used when you run your dishwasher. Wash your dishes on regular wash and air-dry to save the maximum amount of energy.

Use or Install Ceiling Fans

When you keep the air circulating in your home, it helps control the temperature and humidity. Fans can make your home feel cooler even when the air conditioner is set at a higher temperature. Every degree higher you can keep your Thermostat will save you up to 3% on your cooling costs.

Seal Your Ducts

Leaks in your duct work can account for up to 25% of cooling costs in your home. Have your duct work inspected and repaired by a trusted air conditioning company in Jacksonville. They will seal the duct work from inside your home and from inside your attic. They can also check and repair and holes that may have been torn in your duct work. Don’t be afraid to ask your technician if he can seal up your light switches and power outlets while they are there. Most of the time, they will do it for no extra cost.

Close off Vents

Close off any vents that are in rooms that are not frequently used. You will reduce the time it will take your air conditioner to cool the rest of your home. If your home has more than one story, you can also save energy by closing off several vents on the lower floor of your home. Cool air from the upper floors will naturally sink down and keep the lower floors a little cooler.

Prevent Blocked Air Vents

Make sure you are not blocking air vents with furniture or other obstructions. Blocking off an essential vent can make your AC system work harder and longer to cool down your home. Rearrange your room and make sure there isn’t any furniture blocking vents.

Keep Groceries in Your Home

The more items you have in your refrigerator, the easier of a time it has staying cold when you are opening and shutting the door. Your groceries start to become a kind of insulation to itself.

Cut Back on Your Pools Filter

Reducing the time you run your pool filter by just one hour can save you up to 2% on your energy bill. Keep the time your run your filter only 4 or 5 hours a day. Try to only run your automatic cleaning equipment while your pool filter is running. Also, schedule the operating hours during off-peak time to save some additional energy.

Repair or Replace Your Air Conditioning System

Signing up for a yearly maintenance plan on your AC system will help ensure your unit runs at maximum efficiency all year long. Depending on the plan you signed up for, your AC company will come out to your home 2 to 3 times a year and check to make sure there are no Freon leaks, coils are clean and all systems are running properly. If you have an old air conditioning system you may want to consider changing the old one for a new Energy Star system. You could save up to 10% on energy costs.

If you have any questions or would like any further information, please feel free to give us a call or simply email us at info@coolcatsjax.com.