Conserve Energy & Save Money This Summer with SMUD

There’s no denying it, it’s been a long, hot summer. Such is to be expected in Sacramento, and locals have their own preferred ways of cooling off, whether it be a day at a water park or a trek to a swimming hole. For many Sacramento residents, hiding out in the air conditioning is one of the best ways to beat the heat.

Unfortunately, keeping your air conditioner on full blast throughout the summer can be a pricey endeavor, not to mention taxing on your HVAC system. Energy costs are on the rise, making it more expensive to chill out at home during the dog days of summer. However, there are several steps you can take to conserve energy and save on cooling expenses, according to Gamaliel Ortiz, public information specialist and spokesperson for SMUD (Sacramento Municipal Utilities District).

Ortiz said air conditioning is one of the largest energy draws in the home during the peak summer period. However, paying attention to when you use the A/C can greatly reduce your costs. For SMUD customers, energy rates are lowest during off-peak hours —  weekdays before 5 p.m. and after 8 p.m. and all day on weekends.

“Air conditioning is one of the largest energy consumers in the home and can drive up bills during these hot summer months,” Ortiz says. “One of the easiest ways to save is to pay attention to when you use energy.”

Ortiz added that another easy step is to prevent your home from heating up in the first place, which can reduce immediate cooling costs and help save on long-term costs from wear and tear on cooling equipment. This means pre-cooling your home before 5 p.m., either by opening windows during the cool morning hours or using the air conditioner before peak times.

Other tips include the following:

• Use fans and close blinds on windows that get direct sun. Using ceiling fans and portable fans help circulate cool air throughout your home, making it feel cooler. Indoor or outdoor thermal shades, especially blackout curtains or those with reflective surfaces, can block much of the heat that penetrates a home during the hottest parts of the day. You can also use window films that reflect UV light, or upgrade outdated windows to more modern energy-efficient versions.
• Swap out traditional light bulbs for LEDs. Did you know incandescent light bulbs put out more heat than LED bulbs? Incandescent bulbs convert only about 10 percent of the electrical energy into visible light, with the remaining 90 percent being emitted as heat. This is why they get very hot to the touch — as much as 500 degrees! Not only do they lack energy efficiency, they also make your house hotter.
• Change your air filter and clean your HVAC unit. Maintaining your system can improve its efficiency by expanding airflow, thus extending its lifespan. Filters should be changed every one to three months (more during wildfire season) and the unit should be inspected by a professional at least once a year.
• Use a programmable/smart thermostat. Investing in a programmable or smart thermostat ensures you’re keeping your HVAC use in check. You can program it to run less when you’re away from home or to pre-cool your home during non-peak hours. You can also have it turn on right before you get home from work so the system doesn’t have to strain to keep up.
• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. For every 2 degrees that you turn up your thermostat, you can save 5–10 percent on cooling costs.
• Avoid using multiple large appliances at the same time, especially during peak hours. Heat-generating appliances such as dishwashers and dryers can significantly heat up your home, as do conventional ovens. According to SMUD, smaller appliances use 66 percent less energy than conventional ovens, so consider grilling your dinner outside or use toaster ovens, microwaves or slow cookers instead.
• Upgrade appliances to energy-efficient models. If your air conditioner is more than ten years old, consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model. Energy-Star rated appliances can greatly reduce your monthly energy costs. While they may cost more up front, you’ll get your money back over the long run. There are often rebates available as well.
• Consider using zoned cooling, if possible. If your home has multiple rooms or levels, consider a zoned cooling system. This allows you to cool only the areas that are in use, rather than the entire house. You can also close vents in unused rooms to direct more airflow to occupied spaces.
• Let nature do the work with thoughtful landscaping. Planting trees, shrubs, or vines around your home can provide natural shade and reduce the heat that enters your home. Deciduous trees are ideal as they provide shade in the summer and allow sunlight through in the winter when they shed their leaves. You can even get free shade trees from SMUD.
• Replace insulation around doors and windows. Ensure your home is well-insulated and that there are no leaks around windows and doors. Proper insulation keeps the cool air inside and the hot air outside, reducing the need for your A/C to work harder. Weatherstripping and caulking can effectively seal gaps, while insulating your attic and walls adds an extra layer of protection against heat.
• Be mindful about chores. Consider doing laundry on weekends, when all hours are considered off-peak. Wash full loads of laundry whenever possible and switch your temperature setting from hot to warm to cut energy use in half for a single load. Using the cold cycle can reduce energy use even more. About 90 percent of the energy consumed for washing clothes is used to heat the water.

Greater Sacramento Real Estate: Your Next Home Awaits.

The greater Sacramento area may be known for its summertime heat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the season. By following a few smart tips, it’s possible to save energy and stay cool at the same time.