As temperatures start to rise, you may find yourself reaching for the AC remote more often, particularly when spring and summer hit their peak. Blasting the AC isn’t very wise, though, specifically in terms of energy conservation. So, what else can you do to keep cool or stay warm without wasting electricity? Here are 12 energy-saving tips for HOAs during the summer and spring months.
Follow These Energy-Saving Tips for HOAs
As the summer and spring seasons roll around, HOAs and homeowners alike need to be mindful of their energy usage in an effort to save some extra cash and help the environment at the same time. Mankind has depleted enough of Earth’s resources to warrant panic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything to help. While you may feel like a tiny grain of rice in an entire field of crops, you can still do your part to conserve energy — no matter how small.
Here are the best HOA energy saving tips you can adopt during summer and spring:
1. Close Your Shades
Even though it may be a beautiful day outside, try to keep your shades closed as much as possible, especially when no one is home. The sunlight shining in your home may cause you to accumulate solar heat gain which will have your air conditioning working overtime to stay at the thermostat level.
2. Check Air Filters
Checking air filters is a vital part of how to conserve energy, even though it may not be obvious. A dirty filter can cause your AC unit to work even harder to get to the optimum temperature, so it is important that they are changed regularly. If you didn’t do this during the spring, now is a good time to check those air filters while performing your spring cleaning.
3. Unplug Appliances and Electronics
Make sure certain household appliances and electronics are unplugged when not in use. Items such as toasters, chargers, lamps, electric razors, computers, coffee machines, televisions, and etc. all consume electricity even though you may not be using them at the moment.
Keeping these items unplugged when you don’t need them can save you a ton of money and energy. Though it may not seem like much at first, your savings can really add up.
4. Remember to Close the Lights
Make sure there aren’t any lights on in rooms that no one is occupying. Lights can cause a homeowner to use a lot of energy, especially if energy-saving light bulbs are not being used. Keeping them on at all times of the day — even when the sun is out — can really make a dent in your electricity bill. Lights also generate heat, and if you have the air conditioner running, the last thing you want to do is make a room hotter.
5. Keep Appliance Use to a Minimum
You don’t need to use appliances all the time. Only use dishwashers and washing machines when there is a full load and also use cool water when applicable. Be sure to change the dryer lint trap after every use and avoid using the heat dry function on your dishwashers.
6. Blast the Thermostat
Did you know you can save energy by turning the thermostat up? If you want to save energy during spring, it’s good practice to set the thermostat somewhere between 76-78 degrees. You can even change it to 85 degrees when no one is in the room.
While it may not make sense at first, you actually save 1-3% for every degree over 72. Make sure to stay hydrated and take comfort into account, though.
7. Open Your Windows
Because it’s summer, you may be tempted to open the AC to keep cool, but this would be a massive waste of energy, especially if you’re the only person in the room. Instead, open your windows to let the breeze in. Alternatively, you can also use a ceiling fan or stand fan to save energy during summer.
8. Use LED Light Bulbs
One of the best energy-saving tips for HOAs is to switch to LED light bulbs. Halogen or fluorescent lights consume a lot of energy and resources, which is why they are not a very eco-friendly or smart choice. Apart from being energy-saving, LED light bulbs are more cost-efficient and long-lasting.
9. Inspect for Broken Pipes or Sprinklers
During the summer, people tend to water plants and grass more frequently to keep the landscaping lush and vibrant. While there is no problem with wanting to have a beautiful lawn, you must be responsible enough to have your irrigation system checked. Any broken pipes or sprinklers can lead to leaks, which, apart from causing water damages and encouraging mold growth, can cost you a lot of money. Other than that, they are a waste of water.
10. Switch to Energy-Saving Models
If you’re planning to replace an electronic or appliance, consider switching to an energy-saving model. Such models are designed to conserve energy and keep your bills down. Sure, they may cost more at first because of their hefty price tag, but they will definitely save you more money in the long run.
11. Consider Solar Panels and Water Reservoirs
This may be a bit more far-fetched for some, but you may want to look into solar panels and water reservoirs. Both items can save you plenty of energy and are very cost-efficient.
If your HOA has the budget and area for either one (or both), then consider having it (them) installed. It’s a good idea to research credible suppliers and consult professionals prior to making a final decision, though.
12. Conduct a Study
To really find out how much energy your HOA or household uses up in a year, you may need to conduct a thorough study. Your utility bills will usually contain the information you need, so set them aside for further review. From there, you can determine which months you use the most energy by plotting when your bills spike or drop. After that, you can take appropriate action.
One Step Closer to a Better Community
As you can see, there are a lot of things you can do to help conserve energy in your HOA. Apart from being good for the environment, these energy-saving tips for HOAs can also lower your utility bills, saving you money in the process. While some of them require a fair amount of patience, tolerance, and sacrifice, it is all well worth it in the end.
If you need any help with energy conservation or other parts of running an HOA, consider reaching out to an HOA management company like us.
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