With no end in sight for the heatwave in Colorado, the demand for water and energy will continue to increase. At Viking Mechanical Services, LLC, we care about energy and water conservation just as much as we care about keeping our customers safe and comfortable, which is why we decided to share these energy saving tips for summer.
From watering the lawn to keeping your home cool during Northern Colorado’s extreme heat, our goal is to help our customers conserve energy and keep their energy bills in check. Below you will find tips recommended by the experienced HVAC and Plumbing technicians at Viking Mechanical Services.
Top Energy Saving Tips for Summer
The first step to conserving water and energy is for homeowners to evaluate need. In other words, if you can live without AC for a day, then do it. Same goes for watering the grass. Knowing when you can cut back on usage, and the best times to do so is just a good rule of thumb. Following this basic rule, along with the suggestions below, are steps in the right direction for saving energy, and money!
Energy Saving Tips – HVAC
Install a Programmable Thermostat – A programmable thermostat can be adjusted based on use. For example, a “smart” thermostat can be programmed to run at a certain temperature when you are home and adjust for those times you are away. Many thermostats available today can be controlled by smart phones. This allows you to minimize your AC’s usage, which will improve energy efficiency, saving you money.
Keep Thermostat Temperature Consistent – Set your thermostat at a temperature that is comfortable to live with. Constantly changing the temperature just makes your system work harder, increasing energy usage.
Reduce Indoor Heat – There are several ways to keep indoor heat to a minimum. Keep windows, curtains, and/or mini blinds closed during the day. Fire up the grill instead of the oven. Run appliances, such as dishwashers and dryers later at night. This will reduce heat inside the home, thus reducing the need to run the AC.
Turn Off the AC When Gone for Extended Periods – Whether working, taking a day trip, or leaving for a long vacation, try turning off the air conditioner when you are away from home. Consider investing in a smart thermostat so that you can adjust usage based on need.
Use Freestanding and Ceiling Fans – Since fans are relatively inexpensive and most homes include ceiling fans, try using fans on days that you can tolerate minimal air conditioning. This will help conserve energy and reduce cooling bills.
Unplug Electronics – Kitchen appliances and electronics, when plugged in, still draw power even when they are off. Make it a habit of unplugging electronics that aren’t being used to conserve energy.
Water Conservation Tips – Plumbing
Take Showers – A good way to conserve water is to, first, invest in a good shower head that offers efficiency. Opt for showers instead of baths, or at least limit baths to once a week. This is a simple measure that can go a long way in water conservation.
Turn Off the Faucet – Practice turning off the faucet while brushing teeth, shaving, washing hands, doing dishes, etc. Leaving the faucet running while performing these tasks is a huge waste of a valuable resource.
Water Lawn at Dusk – Using the sprinkler after the sun starts to set is the best time to water the lawn and/or garden. The sun causes evaporation, which makes watering during the day somewhat redundant. If you are an early bird, that works, too!
Set Your Sprinkler System – If you have a sprinkler system, adjust the days and time to avoid long-term use. It’s equally important to adjust the coverage so that you get the most out of your watering sessions.
Sweep, Don’t Spray – It might consume a little more energy, but when it comes time to clean the porch, deck, or sidewalk, grab the broom instead of the water hose.
Call a Plumber for Plumbing Repairs
Repair Pipe Leaks – A leaky pipe not only wastes water, but it can also result in bacterial growth and other damages to the home. If you have leaky pipes, call a plumber to address the issue.
Fix Faucet Drips – Even the smallest drips from a faucet or outdoor hydrant/spigot can result in wasted water and increased water bills. Whether faucet repairs or replacing the faucet, it’s imperative that faucet drips are addressed and fixed to conserve water and your budget.
Don’t Let the Toilet Run – A running toilet can drastically increase the water bill. If you notice that your toilet continues to run long after it has been flushed, don’t ignore it.
While practicing any of these tips will help conserve energy and water during summer, you can maximize energy savings all year long with annual HVAC and plumbing maintenance offered at Viking Mechanical Services.
Save Money with Viking Mechanical Services Annual HVAC & Plumbing Maintenance Program!
HVAC & Plumbing preventative maintenance is key to keeping your home’s AC, furnace, and plumbing system operating efficiently, all year long. When your HVAC system and plumbing are functioning at their peak, energy efficiency and lower utility bills are just a few of the benefits. Protect your greatest investment with Viking’s affordable annual maintenance program that offers the following services:
Viking Mechanical Services offers annual maintenance agreements customized to fit your needs, and budget. We proudly offer our residential and commercial services in Denver, Boulder, Longmont, Greeley, and throughout the Northern Colorado Front Range. When you need professional heating, cooling, plumbing, and duct cleaning services in Northern Colorado, Viking Mechanical Services delivers!
Why wait to start saving? Call a Viking today! We look forward to assisting you with all your HVAC and plumbing service, repair, and installation needs.
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