As the summer weather approaches, record-setting temperatures put stress on people and the power grid, threatening power outages and increasing health risks for those who can’t escape the heat.
When it’s hot outside, we use more electricity to keep our homes and buildings cool by running our air conditioners. This increased demand strains the grid, especially during peak hours, raising the possibility of outages. Like heat’s effect on our bodies, when it’s hot, everything must work harder to keep things running smoothly. Heat can cause the power plant’s power system equipment to fail, resulting in power outages.
Here are 7 things you can do to help the grid run smoothly and lower your energy bill this summer:
- Pre-cool Your Home at Night
- Open windows and doors during the evening and early morning hours to allow cool air to enter your home. Use window fans to help circulate the air.
- By precooling your home at night, you reduce the need for air-conditioning during the day, saving energy and lowering your electricity bills during a heat wave.
- Use Ceiling Fans
- Install ceiling fans in rooms that you use frequently. Ceiling fans use less energy than air-conditioning and can make you feel cooler, allowing you to set your thermostat a few degrees higher.
- Create Shade
- Plant trees or install outdoor shading structures like pergolas or awnings. This action reduces the amount of direct sunlight entering your home and lowers indoor temperatures.
- Close curtains, blinds, or shades during the day to block out sunlight and prevent heat from entering your home.
- Utilice regletas inteligentes
- Plug your electronics into smart power strips to prevent phantom energy use. These strips can detect when devices are not in use and cut off power to them.
- Use Less Energy Between 4−9 P.M.
- The highest electricity demand occurs during the peak hours between 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The additional demand during peak hours puts a strain on the electricity grid, which can lead to higher maintenance and operation costs. By reducing your energy use during these times, you are doing your part to ensure the grid continues to operate.
- Run your large appliances, such as dishwasher, washer, dryer, and air conditioner, before 4 p.m. or after 9 p.m.
- Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances and Windows
- Upgrade household appliances that are 15 years or older to high-efficiency models that use less energy. When evaluating your choices, look for ENERGY STAR® certified models.
- Upgrade your windows and insulation to energy-efficient versions so that you’re less dependent on air conditioners to keep your home cool.
- Replace your incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs that last longer and are more energy efficient, saving you money on your bill and on replacement bulbs.
- Install Rooftop Solar and Battery Storage
- By pairing rooftop solar with battery storage, you reduce the strain on the grid and minimize reliance on fossil-fuel burning peaker plants during times of high demand.
Blog de Madeline Sarvey
