With the official day of summer just a week away, family getaways, boating, and barbecues are quickly approaching. However, there are many ways to enjoy the warm weather while also maintaining energy efficiency.
If you’re traveling a far distance this summer, there are a myriad of driving tips available on Energy Saver’s Consumer Guide to Fuel Economy fact sheet[1]. It is imperative to drive sensibly as aggressive driving lowers your gas mileage about 15-30%.
Additionally, when orchestrating a large neighborhood barbecue, consider positioning seating and the patio umbrella in a way that shades both your guests and home. Below are other tips to reduce energy usage while celebrating this holiday.
1. Close windows and doors
When the air conditioning system is running in your home make sure all windows and doors are closed. Since air conditioners works to keep a home at a set temperature, open doors and windows require the air conditioner to work harder to stay at the desired temperature.
2. Plan to grill
Plan to grill most of the food served to guests. Grilling allows for the inside temperature of a home to stay cool as using the oven generates heat and forces the air conditioning system to work harder. Cooking all food in batches using energy efficient technology also reduces energy usage.
3. Use a cooler for beverages
Coolers are the preferred method over refrigerators for storing beverages. On a hot day, party guests constantly refuel with cool drinks. By using a cooler, it greatly reduces the number of times the refrigerator would be opened.
4. Set up an outdoor celebratory space away from the sun
The warm weather is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sun and soak up some Vitamin D. By setting up a space outside, guests can use the shade and an umbrella to cool down as opposed to all gathering inside the home. This would force the air conditioning system to work at an elevated capacity as there are more people inside your home.
Wishing you a happy, safe, and energy efficient summer ahead!
[1] Consumer Guide to Fuel Economy Fact Sheet (U.S. Department of Energy, 2024).
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