Save Money and Energy This Summer By Preparing Your Home for the Heat

-from Energy Upgrade California

The average California home loses 30 percent of its energy each day and in the fast approaching summer months, that number can spike due to hot outdoor temperatures and the increased usage of cooling systems in homes. Energy Upgrade California is calling on California homeowners to prepare their home for the warm summer months by taking advantage of simple and low-cost steps to make their households more energy efficient.

Californians can take some simple steps to identify leaks or drafts, adjust their cooling systems to a more sustainable level and, in general, become more conscious of energy usage at home. Not only do the steps lead to reduced energy usage during peak summer months, but these small actions can lead to noticeably lower utility bills and a more comfortable home.

1. Check window and door weather stripping to see if they are letting in the hot air.

To check your window and door weather stripping, take a lit incense stick and pass it around the edges of doors and windows. Wherever the smoke wavers or is sucked out of or blown into the room, there's a draft. You can also use a damp hand to locate leaks; any drafts will feel cool to your hand.

If your windows and doors are letting in the hot summer heat, visit EnergyUpgradeCA.org to find how Energy Upgrade California can make you house more efficient and increase the overall comfort of your home.

2. Replace air filters

Check your filter every month, especially during the heavy use months (winter and summer). If the filter looks dirty after a month, change it. At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool — wasting energy. A clean filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system — leading to expensive maintenance and/or early system failure.

3. Check your HVAC system to see its properly circulating air and the ducts are in working order.

Leaky duct work can waste up to one-third of your HVAC production. If you feel that your duct work is leaking valuable cool air, visit EnergyUpgradeCA.org. The Energy Upgrade California retrofit program makes your home operate more efficiently and increase the comfort level.

4. Take advantage of your utility’s air conditioning cycling program.

During the hot summer months there are times when demand for electricity comes close to outpacing power generation. These are called critical peak demand periods. Air conditioning cycling programs allow your utility to intermediately cycle your AC on and off during a period of two to four hours. In return, program participants receive a rebate or discount on their utility bill.  Programs vary by utility. Please visit your utility’s website to learn more.

5. Sign up for Flex Alerts

Flex Alerts are used to encourage energy conservation at times when the statewide energy grid could become strained, due to heat waves or when the projected demand exceeds availability. Residents can sign up to receive free notifications when a Flex Alert is called. At that time, homeowners are ask to take three simple actions: 1) turn off all unnecessary lights, 2) postpone using major appliances until after 6 p.m., and 3) turn your air conditioning thermostat to 78 degrees or higher.

6. Enroll in conservation programs offered by your utility. California utilities offer their customers a variety of conservation programs designed to help save energy. 

A sample of the programs include smart air conditioning systems, incentives on home energy efficiency improvements, solar water heating kits, and rebates for replacing your refrigerator or freezer or upgrading your pool pump, room air conditioners or water heaters. Additionally, there are programs that alert the customer to save energy and in return they get extra money taken off their bills. Visit your local utility provider’s website to find out what conservation programs are available in your area.

About Energy Upgrade California

Energy Upgrade California is a program of the California Public Utilities Commission in collaboration with the California Energy Commission, California counties, cities, nonprofit organizations, and the state’s investor-owned utilities. It is your one-stop-shop for home improvement projects that lower your energy use, conserve water and natural resources, and make your home healthier and more comfortable. To learn more, visit EnergyUpgradeCA.com.