Cool Ideas for Summer Energy Savings

It’s official — summer is here. And as temperatures rise, so can summer energy costs with the increased use of high-energy users like air conditioners, refrigerators, and pools adding up to higher energy bills. Fortunately, there are many ways to beat the heat and keep your energy costs in your comfort zone.

One of the biggest summer energy users is central air conditioning. Keep yours in peak condition with regular do-it-yourself maintenance, like changing or cleaning filters, along with yearly tune-ups by a qualified contractor. Also, help keep cool air in — and warm air out — by weather-stripping and caulking around windows and doors, as well as installing adequate insulation. Consider using a programmable thermostat to control your comfort as well as your cooling costs. And for even greater savings, use fans instead of central air conditioning to reduce your home cooling costs by 80% to 90%. 

Like your central A/C, your refrigerator is another big energy user that seems to get more use in the summertime. Make the most of your energy use by keeping your refrigerator fully stocked, deciding what you want before opening the door, and letting leftovers cool before you put them away. To make sure your fridge is working efficiently, replace cracked or loose door seals, clean condenser coils, and defrost regularly. And if you have an extra fridge or freezer in the garage, consider recycling it through SDG&E’s appliance recycling program. You’ll not only save energy, but you’ll get cash back and free pickup.

While most people don’t think about heating in the summer, saving energy on water heating costs is always in season. If you’ve got a leaky faucet, now’s a great time to fix it. One drop of hot water per second can waste 2,500 gallons a year — wasting water and the energy used to heat it. Also check your washing machine for hose cracks and leaky faucet connections that could be causing you to waste hot water. And don’t forget to request a Home Energy & Water Savings Kit from SDG&E^®. This free kit comes with a low-flow showerhead and faucet aerators that can help save energy by reducing your water usage up to 11%.

If you have a pool, your energy use can increase dramatically during the summer. Investing in an energy-efficient pool pump can make a big difference. You’ll not only save energy, but many models are eligible for a rebate from SDG&E. Other energy-saving tips for pool and spa owners include filtering during off-peak times, reducing the use of your spa aerator, and investing in a pool or spa cover, which can save up to 90% on your heating costs.