How to Save Energy During the Coronavirus Outbreak

After many years of viral outbreak horror movies where the whole world lies in ruins in the wake of a lethal virus, we’re finally experiencing some of that.

Though serious, it’s fortunate that coronavirus won’t bring about the end of society.

If you’re like much of the American population, you’re now homebound.

And since you and everyone in your family now spend much more time at home, you’re going to use more electricity.

That means higher electricity bills.

And since we’re an energy savings blog, we’re obligated to help you figure out your greatest opportunities for energy savings.

By the way, don’t worry about your energy use leading to local power outages. It turns out that, though people at home will use more energy, the US will actually experience a net energy usage decrease because of lower commercial and industrial energy use.

So, you have purely your own energy needs to look out for. Here’s what we suggest you do:

1. Keep The AC As Low As Possible

You may notice yourself having to run your HVAC system more. More bodies at home means more heat and more concerns about the temperature.

While you may have to run your air conditioner more, you can set the temperature as high as possible, while still keeping everyone comfortable.

One degree lower for 8 hours means a 1% energy savings. That’s 3% for 24 hours.

Your HVAC system is one of your biggest users of electricity. So it’s a great place to start to increase your savings.

2. Increase Your AC Energy Savings with This Easy Tip

Turn on your ceiling fans and make sure they run counterclockwise. They have a switch on the side which allows you to do this.

This fans air downwards and makes you feel cooler. As a result, you can leave your AC on a much higher temperature setting, or even turn it off entirely.

And you won’t sacrifice any comfort!

3. Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats learn your energy usage preferences and automatically change the temperature (you can set parameters also).

Depending on the model, you may also learn ways you can save energy, when it’s time to perform system maintenance, or if something’s wrong with your HVAC system.

Smart thermostats pay for themselves fast. And with more family members around, they pay for themselves even faster.

4. Manage Your Blinds

When it’s cool out, open your blinds to let the sun in and warm your home. When it’s warm out, close your blinds to block the sun and keep it cooler in your home.

Easy. And you can even include your kids in on this one for a little more help.

While you may not be able to control coronavirus, you can control your energy use.

And it may be just what you need to do to make it through financially.