Megavolt's Summer Energy Saving Tips

July 2012

The demand for electricity in Israel continues growing each year. With the price of electricity rising all the time, those who reduce their electricity usage can make huge differences in energy conservation and lower costs. To help save in energy costs, Megavolt is offering the following summer energy saving tips:

• Use fans to keep air moving. A ceiling fan uses about as much electricity as a light bulb -- far less than an air conditioner.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR symbol when purchasing a new air conditioner or major appliance.
• Turn off air conditioners or set their thermostats at 26° C or higher when leaving home. Each degree a thermostat is raised can save up to three to four percent on the cost of operating an air conditioner.
• Have your cooling system tuned and inspected by a service professional. Poorly maintained systems run inefficiently and the extra costs accumulate over time.
• Give air conditioners a break by using programmable thermostats.
• Clean or change air conditioner filters monthly. The flow of air is the key to cooling, so don't make your system work harder than it has to. Also, make sure that air vents are not blocked off with furniture or other objects that might slow down the air flow.
• During the day, closing the blinds and curtains will block out heat from the sunlight. In the evening, opening the blinds and curtains lets heat escape through the windows.
• Exhaust fans help blow hot air out of your kitchen while cooking, while using very little electricity.
• Avoid activities that add humidity and heat to your home during peak hours. For example, cooking meals and using the clothes dryer can be done during the cooler parts of the day.
• Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms and change most frequently used lighting sources to compact fluorescent light bulbs.
• Plant shade trees around your house to block the heat from the sun. As the trees grow, they can dramatically lower your cooling bills.