Place a power strip near a TV in your home, plug in the TV along with any other electronics close by.  This makes it easy to turn off the entire power strip when the electronics are out of use for an extended period of time.  Electronics use power even when they’re turned off.

For all you meal-preppers using electric appliances…use a slow-cooker rather than an oven.  Did you know that using slow cookers cost a third of the price of using an electric oven or stove, according to the US Department of Energy?

Day 3’s tip is simple; change your HVAC filter. The filter should be changed at least every 6 months, but most HVAC companies would recommend changing it every 3 months.

Limit your showers to 5-7 minutes and tell others in your household to do the same.  Water heating can amount to 12% of your monthly energy use.

Commit to checking your ductwork or having someone check your ductwork for leaks.

When cooling your home, keep windows locked.  Locking your windows ensures they are properly sealed, and all gaps are closed.

Set both the upper & lower water heater thermostats to 120 degrees or lower.  Water heating can amount to 12% of your monthly energy use.

Check to be sure return air grills aren’t being blocked by any furniture. It’s important to ensure HVAC runs properly.

Wait until your dishwasher is fully loaded before running a cycle.

Plant trees & shrubs to provide shade on the east, south, and west sides of your home.  Just remember to call 811 before you dig!

Supplement your home’s cooling by turning on the ceiling fans when you are in the room and turning up the temperature on the AC thermostat.

Turn off unnecessary lighting.  Traditional lighting can account for 12% of monthly energy use.
 

Wash clothes in cold water and save the hot water for extra dirty loads.

Ceiling fans are a vital part of saving energy and money in the summertime.  When using your ceiling fan in the summer, be sure the blades are spinning counterclockwise.

Don’t let the water run while you are brushing your teeth.  Remember, water heating accounts for up to 12% of your monthly energy use and it will cut down on your water usage.

Today’s tip might require a small investment but it would be worth it.  Install window treatments like curtains or shades, especially on the west-facing windows.

Only do full loads of laundry.  If you wash a small load, it still uses most of the water and energy of a full load.

Day 20 is a kitchen tip!  Set the refrigerator temperature to 34-37 degrees and the freezer temperature to 0-5 degrees for maximum efficiency.

Once a year, drain 1-2 gallons from the bottom of your hot water heater to reduce sediment build up. This will help your hot water heater run efficiently.
 

Ensure windows and doors are properly weather-stripped and use door sweeps.  Air Conditioning is typically responsible for 40-50% of monthly energy use.

Check the dryer vent hose to ensure it is securely fasted to your dryer.  Laundry can account for 5-9% of monthly energy use.

Using caulk or foam sealant, seal gaps and holes in walls, floors, and ceilings.

Make sure your outdoor lighting contains a photocell and/or motion sensor to ensure that it’s not wasting electricity.

Make sure the refrigerator door completely seals after opening and closing to eliminate unnecessary cooling.  If you feel that your refrigerator does not stay cool, you may consider replacing the seal before buying a new appliance.

If you’re in the market for a new computer, consider a laptop instead of a desktop. Laptops use less energy than a traditional desktop.

Install a water heater wrap, also known as a water heater blanket, per manufacturer’s instructions.

Clean your dryer’s lint trap before each load.  Laundry accounts for 5-9% of your monthly use, so make sure the process is as efficient as possible.

It’s the 30th and last day of Summer Saving tips!  Repairing dripping faucets can help lower your power bill by minimizing water heating.