Like it or not, world energy consumption is still on the rise, and solar-powered systems are one of the most environmentally friendly and financially sound solutions we have at the moment. Energy generation and consumption problems aren’t something new. These issues have been with us for quite some time, but given the expense and time required to invest in new alternative technology, most of us haven’t managed to and switch to better, renewable sources of energy.
For example, according to a report created by the International Energy Agency, the average person uses 10% more energy in 2008 than they did in 1990. During the same time span, the world population has increased by 27% as well, which has contributed heavily to the rapid increase in total energy consumption.
Given that both energy needs and world population have continued to grow, it is fair to assume that energy use today is far greater than it was even a decade ago. Fortunately, though, technology has also helped us create viable and efficient ways of harnessing the power of a variety of alternative sources of energy, and solar-powered systems are among the most effective ways to do this. Read on to learn about some of the best solar saving tips for summer.
1. Install, Replace or Repair Solar Panels
If you have an older, less efficient solar panel system or if this is the first time you’re considering solar systems, you have to know that this is the very best thing you can do for your household’s energy consumption.
Yes, this will be a costly investment, but the great news is that pricing for each solar panel installation is dropping every year. Depending on where you live, you might be able to get your solar panel investment subsidized by utility companies or even the state.
The even better news is that solar panels do pay off. They might not pay off in one or two years, but they will eventually cover their own costs, helping you reduce energy bills. Most importantly, they will help you reduce your household’s impact on the environment, and this is a gift future generations will thank you for.
There are a lot of companies that perform solar repairs in Perth that are ready to handle the solar panel installation process for you, regardless of how much of your household’s energy needs you want to cover.
2. Change Your Air Conditioning System
Air conditioning can feel like a true blessing in summertime, especially with the increasingly high temperatures outside. For many of us, having an A/C system is not a luxury or a matter of preference anymore – it’s a real need.
However, keeping an old and inefficient air conditioning system is a bad idea. Of course, having it replaced with a higher-efficiency model does come with some financial costs, but the truth is that high-efficiency air conditioning systems can actually save you between 20% and 50% of your total energy consumption. This makes solar panels a much more viable option in the long term.
3. Change Your Furnace Filters for Better Natural Air Flow
When natural air flow is consistent in your house, you are more inclined to spend less energy on powered cooling appliances. A house that’s well ventilated helps you reduce your A/C use, for example, because it allows you to cool the house down during nighttime.
According to specialists, you should change your furnace filters every three months if you want to make sure your house’s ventilation system is functioning at its full capacity.
4. Fix Faults Fast – The Sooner, The Better
Whatever issue you may have, be sure to contact a repair technician as soon as possible. A faulty A/C, refrigerator, or washing machine can set you back hundreds of dollars. Yes, you might spend a bit more now for the actual repairs, but you will eventually save a lot of money.
The same goes for solar panel repairs as well, by the way. If, at any time, your solar panels need fixing, it’s better to call a repair specialist as soon as possible – it will keep your household’s energy source functional for longer, make sure it’s efficient, and ensure your family’s comfort and safety.
5. Enjoy the Outdoors
Your porch or backyard can turn into a true oasis of beauty with minimum effort, and investing in an outdoor space will provide you with multiple benefits. For starters, it will allow you to spend more time outside with your friends and family.
Not only will this help you relax more, but it will also help you save energy. Even a few solar-powered lanterns can transform your backyard into a genuinely amazing place – they’re not expensive, they are easy to use, and they will not boost your energy bill. These are a great lighting solution for those warm evenings of summer.
6. Keep It Efficient at All Times
Every appliance in your home should be as energy-efficient as possible. Older appliances might still work, but they need a lot of electrical power to function. Replacing them will be quite the financial investment now, but their price will soon pay off, as your energy bill will be considerably lower.
Your refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, dish washer, and even lightbulbs all have energy-efficient alternatives that will save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. If you have the means, seriously consider investing in them now.
7. Use Solar Panels for Fast and Easy Hot Water
Can’t afford to add solar panels to power your entire home? Installing solar panels for the sole purpose of heating water is also an option – one that costs less but can still yield amazing results.
Today’s solar water heating systems are advanced enough to provide you with enough hot water for your household’s needs, so you won’t have to worry about running out of it. Moreover, once the solar panel investment is covered, you won’t have to worry about paying as much for the water heating bill either.
8, Use Battery Storage to Make the Most out of Your Solar Panels
Battery technology will allow you to store the energy produced by your solar panel system and use it later. You will be able to use hot water and electrical appliances at night or during peak times when drawing your energy from the grid might be more expensive. Summer is usually the best time to install battery storage for your solar panels because that is when they will be most efficient, for obvious reasons.
9. Line Dry Your Clothes Instead of Using the Dryer
This might sound old-fashioned, but line drying is an energy efficient and environmentally friendly way of drying your clothes. Instead of using the dryer, you can always hang your clothes up to dry after washing them – it’s free, it leaves your clothes smelling fresh, and it will allow you to save tons of energy.
Clothes can be line dried during the winter time as well; as long as temperature of the air isn’t too dry, you can still use this low-tech method and reap all its benefits. Line drying is a perfectly viable option on sunny winter days with just a little bit of breeze, since clothes will be cool to the touch, but they will still be able to dry naturally.
10. Clean All of Your Appliance Filters
Remember how we mentioned furnace filters and how they should be changed for better air flow? All of your appliances’ filters should be changed as well, and this includes the air conditioning system too. Some can be cleaned, but some like the A/C filter will have to be changed entirely.
Changing the appliance filters on a regular schedule will allow them to function efficiently, lowering your energy consumption and the bill associated with it. It’s a bit of work, but given that it will prolong the lifetime of your appliances and help you save energy, it’s more than worth it to do this.
Of course, there are many other ways to make sure you are saving energy – both during the summer and during the winter as well. The simplest things can make the world of a difference, especially when you do the math on your energy bill.
We all use a lot of energy, and most of us cannot imagine life without it. That doesn’t mean that you should waste energy. Solar or not, energy is precious, and we should treat it with the same respect as we treat every other part of the environment. Technology is helping us move forward and making our lives better, but this shouldn’t come at a high cost – not from a financial point of view, and most definitely not from an environmental point of view either.
It’s time we take responsibility for our energy usage, because solar energy saving is not about your bills only – it’s also about the environment. By lowering your energy consumption without missing out on all the amazing advantages of living in a modern, highly-technologized world, your household’s energy footprint will have less of an impact on the environment. Consequently, you will leave the world a better place for your children.