Energy Conservation Tips: How to Save Energy This Summer and Beyond
We can’t believe that we’re halfway through summer and have experienced our fair share of heat waves, making us think twice about conserving energy. We’ve done everything to stay cool this summer, but one of the most important things to consider during any hot season is what we can do as individuals and families to conserve energy. This season, our air conditioners are running for long periods, and we are using energy at higher rates.
While we’re all trying our best to stay cool, local energy companies like Con Edison also make this a time to inform us that conserving energy is critical to maintaining everything running smoothly. Today, we’re sharing some tips on saving energy to ensure that our families keep costs down and that our communities do what they can to prevent outages during riskier temperatures.
Be sure to check out Where to Beat The Heat in Westchester.
What is energy conservation?
According to the U.S Energy Information Administration, energy conservation is defined as “actions to reduce the amount of end-use energy consumption. For example, installing energy-efficient lights is an efficiency measure. Turning lights off when not needed, either manually or with timers or motion sensor switches, is a conservation measure.” They add, “Efficiency and conservation measures can help to directly lower consumers’ energy bills and potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use. Consumers also benefit indirectly when reducing their electricity consumption helps to reduce demand on the electric system. High electricity demand often results in higher costs for generating and transmitting electricity that may be passed on to utility customers.
When we practice energy conservation in our communities, we do our part to slow down global warming and reduce the pollutants that are present both outdoors and within our homes. Yes, the overuse of our electronic devices also produces pollutants at home! Practicing energy conservation regularly can also benefit the kids in our community who are affected by asthma. High levels of pollution have also been tied to high cases of asthma within our communities.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency states, “Researchers found that short-term and long-term exposures to high levels of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and PM 2.5 were associated with alterations to these two genes, and those alterations were significantly associated with asthma.” Additionally, they state, “Pollutants from outdoors can migrate indoors, and asthma triggers that are generated indoors can also exacerbate asthma.
So, doing everything we can to reduce these pollutants is also doing everything we can to help our kids and families with asthma. While tips from the U.S. Energy Information Administration were shared above, we have a few more that families can begin practicing today.
Tips on Conserving Energy
Turning things off
The biggest and easiest tip we can give is to turn things off! While it may seem like an obvious one, it’s actually very easy for families to decide to leave appliances on, especially during heat waves. We may feel that leaving an appliance on is no big deal, but when multiple families are leaving electronics on, chances of outages become exponentially higher, so remember to turn things off in rooms that no one is in, when you’re not home, or if you feel you don’t really need them.
Draw Blinds
This tip is specific to summer heat. Closing your curtains and blinds will keep the heat out and the cool air in. This tip reduces the need for air conditioning and is a great way to reduce indoor pollution.
Use Energy Efficient Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances have become more readily available for families to purchase, and while they may be high in cost initially, they’re worth it in the long run. Things like smart bulbs, ceiling fans, and energy-efficient clothes washers and dryers all make a difference in our homes in the long run. They also rarely need to be replaced as often as their electric counterparts.
Unplug Appliances
Unplugging appliances is another quick and easy way to conserve energy all year long. We suggest every family member practice unplugging appliances when they are already charged or not being used, and it is also a great way to introduce the idea of energy conservation to our little ones.
Water, Water, Water
Managing our water use is also very important for energy conservation. We can make a huge difference by putting small things into practice, like taking shorter showers, fixing any leaks, and installing water-efficient faucets and showerheads at home.
This summer and beyond, making an effort to conserve energy presents a meaningful opportunity to support our community and illustrate to our little ones the powerful impact that small changes can have on our environment.
