Beat the Summer Heat

The summer is a great time to learn about energy efficiency and money saving tips that will benefit not only you and your family, but the climate too. Small actions can make a difference and C3 is here to help!

Tip #1: Adjust Thermostat

One of the easiest ways to decrease your energy consumption, and your carbon footprint, is to simply adjust your thermostat. For the times that you are away from your home at school, work, or just out and about, turn up the temperature. Energy Star recommends a setting of 78 degrees in the summer. You can reduce your summer cooling bill by keeping your thermostat a few degrees warmer and staying cool using fans or dressing for the weather.

The Department of Energy has found that homeowners can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by turning the thermostat 7-10 degrees from its normal setting for only 8 hours a day. If you want to upgrade your thermostat this summer to a “smart” Nest or Ecobee, you can read about the benefits on our blog. Charlottesville City Gas customers can get a $100 rebate for a programmable thermostat.

Tip #2: Cover Windows

Natural heat from the sun can significantly warm up your house on hot summer days. According to the Department of Energy, 76% of sunlight falling on standard double-pane windows enters in the form of heat. Close the blinds, shades, or drapes on the sides of the house that receive the most direct sunlight.

You can also cover windows only during hours of peak sunlight, typically around 10 AM - 4 PM. This will help cool down your home by lowering the workload of your AC system. You can learn about different energy efficient window attachments here.

Tip #3: Seal Air Leaks

Cracks, leaks, and gaps throughout your home make your AC unit work harder to maintain a cool temperature. You will use less energy, and money, to cool the same space by sealing air leaks. Simply weather-stripping your door can save you $30 annually, or you can save up to $250 annually for complete weatherization (we recommend our nonprofit partner LEAP).

Department of Energy map of common trouble spots in your home

If you are income or age-qualifying, LEAP’s weatherization program is free. Reducing AC energy consumption will also keep more carbon out of the atmosphere. Don’t know where to start? Check out this map of common trouble spots in your home from the Department of Energy.

Tip #4: No-Cook meals

Using the stove, oven, toaster, or other kitchen appliances can use a lot of energy. Lower your cookprint with no-cook meals like salads and plant-based dishes. Here is a great summer recipe for watermelon salad from loveandlemons.com.

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 tablespoons lime juice

• ½ garlic clove, minced

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the salad

• 5 cups cubed watermelon

• 1 heaping cup diced English cucumber

• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions

• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 1 avocado, cubed

• ⅓ cup torn mint or basil leaves

• ½ jalapeño or serrano pepper, thinly sliced, optional

• Sea salt

Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic and salt.

Arrange the watermelon, cucumber, and red onions on a large plate or platter. Drizzle with half the dressing. Top with the feta, avocado, mint, and serrano pepper, if using, and drizzle with remaining dressing. Season to taste and serve.

Hope you can cool off with these tips this summer!

—Syd