One of my favorite things about summer is the opportunity for fresh, homegrown food, whether it’s shopping at the local farmers’ market or sharing the abundance of garden tomatoes with a neighbor. It’s amazing how just a few seeds, some fertilizer, and water can turn into a substantial harvest.

When I think about energy efficiency, I think about that bounty of food and how, with just a few simple actions, you can use less electricity and reap the rewards of energy savings.

You don’t need to be a farmer or botanist to know that plants need water–just like you don’t have to be a lineworker or engineer to know that adjusting the thermostat or turning off lights can reduce your monthly electric bill. In fact, if you read Orange County REMC’s publications regularly and follow us on Facebook, you know there are a lot of things you can do at home to save electricity and money.

Summer months bring some of the highest energy bills of the year. But why? Cooling your home accounts for a large portion of your monthly energy use, and the hotter it gets, the harder (and longer) your air conditioner works to keep you cool.

Here are some simple ways you can manage your home’s energy use and help grow your summer energy savings.

• Raise your thermostat. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temp, the more you’ll save.
• Install window coverings like blinds or light-blocking curtains to prevent indoor heat gain during the day.
• Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping around windows and exterior doors. Air leaks force your air conditioner to work harder and run longer than necessary.
• Run ceiling fans for additional cooling, but turn them off when you leave the room.
• Lower your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees to reduce standby heat loss.
• When cooking, limit the use of your oven and stove to avoid heating up your home. An outdoor grill or small appliances like slow cookers and toaster ovens will keep your home cooler.

This is also a good time to remind you of the rebate and incentive plans that members can use to save money and energy — not only during the dog days of summer but throughout the year.

Visit our website to learn about the rebates we offer for energy-efficient HVAC and water heating equipment. If your home needs a new water heater or heating and cooling system, contact us first to learn about the savings we offer. As you’re gearing up for a summer of yard work, you can also take advantage of a $50 rebate for electric lawn equipment.

Most people don’t know everything about electricity, and that’s why we’re here to help you. There are no investors making profits here. Just knowledgeable people with local jobs, working for our neighbors to ensure there is electricity available when you need it. Contact us, and we can work with you to find more ways to save energy — and money.