It’s easy to think about conserving energy during the cold winter months. You pay attention to the thermostat and put on an extra sweater. You add a blanket to the bed covers so you don’t have to turn up the heat.
But, in the summer months we sometimes forget to pay attention to those energy efficiencies.
Thurston Energy has some recommendations on reducing your energy bill during the warmer months.
Start by scheduling a Home Energy Audit. Thurston Energy connects home owners with a trained energy expert to evaluate your home’s energy performance. Take advantage of the $200 rebate offered by Thurston Energy through the end of the month.
Use the information provided from the home energy report to make cost-effective improvements to your home’s efficiency.
Sealing air leaks and properly insulating your home can result in reducing both your heating and cooling bills while also increasing your home comfort.
Your fireplace is a good place to start. Seal your dampers tight and close the door when not in use. If you don’t ever use your fireplace, plug the chimney with a chimney balloon and seal the doors with caulk.
One of the biggest ways to save energy is to use your heating device properly. Use your programmable thermostat as it’s designed to be used. For example, set the thermostat to turn off an air conditioner at night
Reduce strain on the electrical grid by running large appliances, such as dishwashers and dryers in the early morning or late evening hours. These are also the times of day when the temperature outside is cooler.
Another long term solution is to plant trees and shrubs around your home. The view will be lovely and provide needed shade in the summer. The trees can also provide windbreaks that cut the wind power by about 50% around your home and the subsequent heating and cooling costs by about 20 – 40%. Place a windbreak at a right angle to the prevailing winds.
Some strategies will be quick to implement – easy fixes that most home owners can implement on their own. However, if the recommendations are more complex, you can turn to Thurston Energy for recommendations on trusted contractors.
To schedule a Home Energy Audit, call Thurston Energy at 360.528.2112 or visit their website.
