As we near the end of summer, we’re still contending with temperatures in the 90 degree region. As a result, we are using our air conditioners for the majority of the day, every day. This puts a lot of strain on your electricity, which is probably reflected on your summertime utility bills. The good news is, there are a number of ways in which you can save energy, and thus reduce your electric bills. We’ve cited a few examples below.

This is a task that should be done at least on a yearly basis—bi-annually if you have a heat pump. You’ll hear some companies tell you that you can or should only have AC maintenance done before the cooling season begins. The truth is however, that AC maintenance can be done at any time of the year (though it is true that HVAC technicians are busier and harder to schedule at peak temperatures).

Preventive maintenance allows our technicians to fully inspect and clean your AC system, and make recommendations for any repairs that might be needed. When your system is effectively cleaned and repaired, it performs more efficiently, and therefor doesn’t use up as much energy as it normally would.

The Department of Energy estimates that 75% of the electrical use by your electronics occurs when those electronics are actually not in use. While there may only be a small amount of electricity used by each component, it adds up. We recommend that you plug each of your electronics into a power strip, and then when they aren’t in use, turn the power strip off.

This is a maintenance task that you can do on your own, at least every 3 months while your system is in use. If you have significant contaminants in your home, such as pet dander or cigarette smoke, then you should up this to once a month. If your air filters are clean, then your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard or run as long to do its job, which means it won’t be using up as much energy as usual.

With winter descending full force, residents of northern states are bracing for the potential of major blizzards. Of course, other extreme weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes and floods can strike throughout the year, putting life and property. Wise homeowners make sure they prepare in advance so their homes have a better chance of surviving disaster. The good news is that many of the steps that help disaster-proof a home also serve to make it more energy efficient.

Do what you can to help your home and belongings make it through the next big storm:

Use Surge Protectors: You spent a lot of money on your electronics, so why leave them vulnerable to a sudden power surge due to a lightning strike or disruption in the power grid? If you have advance notice that a storm is coming, you should unplug unnecessary devices, but sometimes disasters arrive without warning, so make sure everything goes through a surge protector, or better yet, an uninterruptible power supply.

Solar is Your Friend: One unfortunate result of extreme weather can be power outages that last for days, even if your house doesn't suffer a direct strike. Be prepared with solar panels so you can get by before the power comes back. Note that most home solar setups are tied into the power grid and therefore won't power your house independently if the rest of the electricity is out, but some systems do allow you to charge a battery directly so you can keep the lights on. Another option is to keep a generator on hand for emergencies. They aren't as eco-friendly as solar power but don't rely on the sunlight for fuel so tend to be more reliable.

Walls Matter: The latest in building wind-proof houses is using insulated concrete forms, or ICFs, to make a mold for quick and easy concrete construction. Not only are concrete walls far stronger than wood, making them more likely to survive extreme winds, they are much more fire resistant than standard construction as well. What's more, concrete usually costs a bit more than wood framing, but over the life of your house you should see big energy savings. The superior insulation provided by the concrete walls and foam molds means you spend less for heating and air conditioning. Estimates range from a few hundreds dollars per year in savings to as much as an 80 percent reduction in heating costs. You can also find cheaper insurance rates for concrete houses than for wood.

Let the Experts Help: Have a trusted professional inspect your house to make sure that your roof and foundation are in good shape and your HVAC and electrical equipment is all functioning correctly. You can resolve any issues in advance to increase your chances of weathering a bad storm, and if disaster never does strike you still know you made a good investment. Call local Mister Sparky for a check of your electrical system and any necessary repairs as a part of your disaster preparedness plan.