When summertime heat and humidity increases, so does the load on your local utility network. There’s nothing worse than a blackout in the middle of a Metro-Detroit heat wave. Fortunately, blackouts can be avoided if homeowners take the right precautions to conserve energy and reduce the overall energy load for their local electricity sub-station.
There are a few things that you can do to reduce the amount of energy your household pulls from the local energy grid. Not only will you be doing your community a favor, you’ll also benefit from significant energy savings. Here are three ways to conserve energy this summer:
- Switch to a high efficiency HVAC system and adhere to regularly-scheduled maintenance. It turns out that heating and cooling systems consume 50 percent or more of the average family’s annual energy usage. Air conditioners alone consume over 5 percent of the entire nation’s energy bill. When you are ready to purchase a new A/C system (or any appliance for that matter), keep your eye on models bearing the Energy Star Label.
- Change your A/C filters and inspect air ducts and vents regularly. It doesn’t take much dust and debris buildup to seriously affect airflow. While filter changes and vent cleanings are easy to do on your own, it is a good idea to have an annual maintenance contract with a local HVAC contractor. Annual maintenance will ensure that your system is clean and that it is running optimally, which will help you conserve energy.
- Reduce solar heat gain. Poorly insulated homes, and windows with western and southern exposure are especially vulnerable to solar heat gain. Awnings, over hangs and proper window coverings can help to reduce the amount of heat transference from the sun to your living space. Consider light-colored shades and/or blinds with reflective exterior surfaces. Trees planted in front of windows can provide natural shade and improve your view.
For more tips on how to conserve energy in your Metro-Detroit-area home, contact Aladdin Heating & Cooling today!
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about reducing energy consumption and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Aladdin Heating services Novi, Farmington, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Oak Park, Ferndale, Beverly Hills, Berkley, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Twp., Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, Madison Heights, Clawson, Sterling Heights, Warren, Troy, St. Clair Shores, Grosse Pointe, Grosse Pointe Woods, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Detroit, Utica, Shelby Twp., Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Lake Orion, Oxford, and Clarkston.
Image courtesy of Shutterstock