With summer in full swing and energy prices soaring, I though I would offer my top energy savings tips for summer.  Most of these tips center around reducing your electricity usage in and around your home.  So, without further ado, here are some money savings ideas:

When choosing cooling equipment, make sure the capacity of the unit properly fits your needs.

Choose a unit too small, you risk overloading the unit and equipment failure.  Too large and the unit will not operate efficiently and end up using more electricity instead of saving it.

Install window mounted air conditioners on the north side of your house.

This will keep the unit out of the direct sunlight and prevent the air conditioner from working too hard and will save electricity.

For those with central air conditioning, install and use a programmable thermostat.

This will enable you to reduce the amount of time the air conditioning is running during times you’re away from home while being able to have the air conditioning turn on turn on right before you return home and still maintain a cool and comfortable temperature inside.

Make use of timers to control interior and exterior lighting.

Not only does it save electricity, but it gives your home a lived in appearance which increases security when you’re away from home.

Use compact fluorescent bulbs.

The initial cost may be higher but since compact florescent bulbs last 10 times linger than incandescent bulbs on average and use much less electricity, the overall cost is much lower.

Replace old, single pane windows with new double or triple pane energy efficient ones.

This will help keep the cool air in and the outdoor heat outside and cut down on cooling costs.

Regularly replace the filters on all your air conditioners.

A dirty filter will dramatically cut down on the cooling efficiency of you air conditioner, greatly increase the amount of electricity it uses and reduce the use life of the unit.

Plant large shade tree on the south side of your house to reduce the amount of sun hitting your house.

This will help keep the interior of your home cooler and cut down on the use of air conditioning.

When not in use, unplug your small appliances and electronic equipment such as TV’s and stereo receivers.

Even though you turn these devices off, many of them continue to consume electricity in a “standby” mode” which increases your overall consumption of energy.  To make it easier, make use of surge protecting power strips that have and on/off switch that way you don’t have to physically unplug anything and can just turn off the power with one switch.

Anything to add to this list.  I invite your input and comments.