It is starting to get warmer out which means energy consumption will be higher than usual. When an excessive amount of energy is being consumed Peaker plants are activated. These plants get their energy from fossil fuels and emit a large amount of carbon dioxide when used. Most of these plants are in the minority low-income areas and Peaker plants are negatively impacting these individuals due to high energy usage. To prevent this here are 6 tips on how to be more energy efficient this summer:
Set your thermostat to as warm as possible
When in your home set your thermostat to the warmest degrees while still being comfortable. You consume less energy when the weather inside of your house and outside is less drastic. The U.S. Department of Energy says we should keep the thermostat to around 78 degrees in the Summer.
Close your blinds and curtains on sunny days
Letting in heat through sunlight will just make your apartment hot and urge you to turn on the Air Conditioner. Closing the blinds and curtains will not allow your apartment to heat up as fast and your 78 degrees apartment will stay at that temperature.
Run larger appliances at night when it is cooler
If you run your large appliances like a dishwasher, washer, or dryer, during the day then that will only cause the chances of Peaker plants being activated to increase. Using them at night when no one else is consuming a high level of energy will overall combat the negative effects of the Peaker plants. Running Your Dishwasher at night can actually save you water and money.
Change your air filters regularly
A dirty air filter restricts the flow of the HVAC and causes the system to work harder which uses more energy. If the filter is extremely dirty for an extended period, then it can cause the HVAC to heat up, burn out, and then fail.
Use a ceiling fan
Since your house will be warmer you can use a ceiling fan to get some air circulating. When you use a ceiling fan you can raise your thermostat by about four degrees before you feel the temperature change.
Go outside and have fun!
Going outside is the best way to save energy in your home if you turn everything off before leaving. Make sure to unplug any unnecessary cords and shut off all lights. When leaving your home, you can set your thermostat to the same degrees outside, and then when you get home set it to a cooler temperature. Visit a park for a picnic, go shopping at a mall, grab a bite or do some remote working in a coffeeshop. The possibilities are endless.
Sign up to get paid for saving energy
Meltek is partnered with Con Edison New York and MCE California to pay you for saving energy!
Meltek has recently released our FREE app that rewards you with gift cards for saving electricity - including Amazon, Adidas, spa, hotels, and many other card options for you to choose from! Wondering how can you get them? It's really easy, you have to do only 3 steps.
Step 1. Sign up with Meltek at app.meltek.io (should take less than 3 minutes)
Step 2. Follow our instructions on how to use less electricity at home during peak demand
Step 3. Earn your gift cards! Meltek is offering gift cards for a wide range of big and/or sustainable businesses and at different values as well.
Sign up with Meltek today and start making a greener lifestyle more doable for yourself! Subscribefor future blog posts and follow us on social media!
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