Looking to beat the Nevada heat this summer without breaking the bank or our environment? Conducting a home energy audit is a great place to start finding immediate energy savings. Still, you can use a few other simple tricks and tips to maximize your summer energy savings. The following home energy-saving tips are designed to help you think proactively about how you utilize energy, and of course, how to lower your electric bill.
Programmable Thermostat
Investing in a programmable thermostat is one of the best and simplest energy-saving tips for Nevada homeowners. Programmable thermostats come in different models that can be set to fit your weekly schedule and can be set to automatically turn off or lower when you are asleep or away from your home. On average, a programmable thermostat can save you $180 per year. The Department of Energy suggests setting your thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, which can save you up to 10% in energy costs. Ultimately, keeping the difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature as small as possible is the key.
Some programmable thermostats can also provide indicators for when to replace air filters, improving your heating and cooling system’s efficiency. Opting for a fan instead of your air conditioning can also help cut down your energy bill tremendously during hot Nevada summers. Ceiling fans are great for cooling large spaces, while a personal or portable fan can directly target one or two people. A decent fan will allow you to bump up your thermostat about four degrees and maintain the same internal comfort level.
Energy-Efficient Appliances & Systems
On average, appliances are responsible for roughly 13% of total household energy use, while heating and cooling systems account for almost 50%. If you think it’s time to upgrade your HVAC systems and appliances, this summer is the perfect opportunity to invest in a top-of-the-line, energy-efficient model that will boost your utility bill savings in the long-term.
When shopping for a new HVAC system, look for ENERGY STAR-certified systems with good Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings. When purchasing new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR label, a federal guarantee that the appliance will consume less energy during use and when on standby than standard models. Also, pay attention to the initial purchase price and the annual operating cost. Although energy-efficient appliances might have higher upfront purchase costs, their operating costs are usually about 9-25% lower than traditional models, saving you money in the long run.
Temperature Controlled Windows
You may find it surprising, but older windows are a significant source of energy waste that can add up to 10-25% of your total heating bill. Single-pane windows tend to let out a lot of internal air and let in a lot of outside air, making it difficult to maintain consistent temperatures in your home. Replacing single-pane windows with windows made from energy-efficient materials is an energy-saving tip that may have a high upfront cost but pays back dividends over the years in utility bill savings and your overall comfort.
Cover Glass temperature-controlled windows can reduce energy usage by up to 18 percent during the summer. Our frameless glass systems use a spectrally selective coating called Low-E technology that reduces the risk of air leakages and helps maintain consistent temperatures within homes. Because frameless glass doors let in more natural light, you can also rely on sunlight rather than electricity during the daytime to conserve energy this summer.
In warmer climates, as we have in Nevada, you may have issues with heat gain through windows. In addition to minimizing heat loss, Low-E coatings on windows can reduce heat gain by reflecting more light and lowering the amount of thermal energy that enters your home. Energy-efficient windows can save you anywhere from $20-$95 each year on your utility bills. Window shades, shutters, screens, and awnings are also great options for creating an additional layer of insulation between your home and outside temperatures, leading to even more energy savings.
Beware of the Water Heater
Water heating is a major contributor to your total energy consumption, but purchasing a new energy-efficient water heater isn’t feasible for all of us. Here are three easy methods of reducing your existing water heating expenses:
- Reduce your hot water usage
- Lower the thermostat on your water heater
- Insulate your water heater and the first six feet of water pipes
If you consider replacing your water heater with an energy-efficient model, consider the type of water heater that meets your needs and the type of fuel it will use. For example, tankless water heaters are energy-efficient, but they can’t handle multiple simultaneous uses of hot water, making them unideal for large households. Energy-efficient water heaters can be anywhere from 8% to 300% more energy-efficient than traditional models.
Weatherization
Weatherizing plays a key role in reducing utility bills by retaining heat during the winter and keeping heat out of your Nevada home during the summer by minimizing air leaks. The most common sources of air leaks tend to be vents, windows, and doors, so it’s important to invest in already weatherized systems.
To prevent these leaks in existing systems, seal up any cracks or openings between the wall and vent, window, or doorframe. To seal air leaks between stationary objects, such as the wall and window frame, apply some caulk. For leaks between moving objects, like windows and doors, apply weather stripping. Weatherstripping and caulking are simple energy-saving tips that can save you up to $400/year on your utility bills.
Lower Your NV Energy Bill with Cover Glass
Ready to reduce your bills and elevate your home at the same time? At Cover Glass, we’re proud to offer beautiful frameless glass products that do both, thanks to their weatherproofed properties and Low-E technology. Cover Glass is better than standard glass. Compared to standard glass, Cover Glass proves superior in cost-savings, energy-efficient, and overall aesthetics.
Request an online consultation to connect with our glass door and window experts to find out how Cover Glass can provide you with more energy-savings in Nevada this summer.
