Summer is definitely in full blast in Phoenix, Arizona. As temperatures climb, so do the SRP and APS energy bills for many residents. Wondering if your home is energy efficient or energy star certified? Check out these signs that might mean your place could use a little boost in the energy-saving area.
Insulation & Weatherproofing
High quality materials should be used to insulate your attic, walls, and floors effectively. This will help maintain a steady indoor temperature, reducing the workload on your cooling systems.
- Attic Insulation: Try using materials such as fiberglass or spray foam to insulate your attic. This will help keep the heat from seeping into your living areas.
- Wall Insulation: If your home is older and doesn’t have enough protection, think about putting some insulation in your walls.
- Weatherproofing: To stop air leaks, use weatherstripping and caulking to fill in any cracks and gaps around your doors and windows. This way, you can keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
Energy Efficient Cooling Systems
Although air conditioning is a must-have in Phoenix, it can really eat up energy. To get the most out of it, keep your cooling system in check and look into other cooling options.
- Regular Maintenance: Set up yearly maintenance for your AC unit. Make sure to clean or swap out the filters every month to keep it running smoothly.
- Programmable Thermostat: Invest in a programmable thermostat that can tweak the temperature according to your routine. It can really help you save on energy costs.
- Ceiling Fans: You can turn up the thermostat a bit and still feel comfortable while ceiling fans move air around and provide you with a nice breeze.
Energy Efficient Appliances
Switching to Energy Star energy-efficient appliances can lead to significant savings on your energy bills and better performance. Make sure to check for the ENERGY STAR label when you’re buying new appliances.
- Refrigerator and Freezers: Choose models that feature enhanced cooling technologies and improved insulation.
- Washers & Dryers: Energy-saving washers consume less water and power, and dryers equipped with moisture sensors help avoid over-drying.
- Dishwashers: Modern dishwashers with efficient motors and soil sensors can save both energy and water.
Smart Home Devices
Home tech brings cool ways to boost energy efficiency by automating and fine-tuning how energy is used.
Thermostat: These gadgets pick up on your routine and tweak the temperature to match.
Lighting: Control your lights from anywhere with smart bulbs and switches, and set up schedules so they’re only on when you really need them.
Energy Monitoring: Set up an energy monitoring system to keep an eye on your energy consumption as it happens and spot where you can make some improvements.
Phoenix residents can make their homes cooler and cozier while cutting down on energy use and energy bills by following these energy-saving tips. Simple actions like insulating your space, keeping your cooling systems in check, switching to energy-efficient appliances, and using smart home tech can really help create a more sustainable and budget-friendly living situation. Dive into these changes and enjoy the perks of a greener, energy-smart home.
