Cooperative Living Northern Virginia Electric - June 2020
DO’S & DON’TS
2020-05-20 02:14:17
For Summer Saving
Electric bills rise in summer as DON’TS air conditioners work hard to cool spaces. NOVEC’s cooling tips can prevent electric bills from spiking as heat and humidity increase.
DO
Do insulate. Ask an insulation contractor if your attic, walls, and crawl space/basement have enough insulation to keep hot air from infiltrating inside. Apply caulk and/or weatherstripping around windows and doors.
DO
Do use fans instead of air conditioning. If not running an air conditioner, run a whole-house or window fan upstairs with the windows open on the main floor. Make sure a window fan pushes air outside instead of pulling hot air inside. Run ceiling and portable fans where people work or sleep.
DO
Do look for the Energy Star label when purchasing window air conditioners, dehumidifiers, ceiling fans, light bulbs, TVs, and home appliances. Save 6% by shopping during Virginia’s sales tax holiday Aug. 7-9. Look for a high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) for a central air conditioner.
DON’T
Don’t forget to change filters frequently. Follow manufacturer’s instructions. Write the date on the filter. Set up NOVEC Energy Solutions’ free home delivery of filters at SecondNature.com/NOVEC.
DON’T
Don’t use old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs. They emit 90% of the energy they consume as heat. Use LED bulbs. They produce almost no heat, use 40-80% less energy, and last much longer.
Turn down water heater.
Turn an electric heater to 120 degrees instead of 140 degrees. Set a gas heater between “warm” and “hot.”
Close window treatments during the day on sunny sides of the house.
Block more heat by closing curtains/drapes over blinds or shades. Awnings repel heat before solar rays reach windows.
Set air conditioner thermostat at 75-78 degrees.
Each degree higher can save up to 5%. Run floor and ceiling fans in occupied rooms to provide a comfortable wind-chill effect.
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DO’S & DON’TS
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