How To Defeat The Summer Peak: Energy Saving Tips For Summer

Understanding the Summer Peak

When we look for the definition of the word peak we can find: “reach the highest point, either of a specified value or at a specified time”. The Summer Peak, therefore, is the highest point in energy consumption during summer. Peak hours are from 4 to 9 pm on weekdays.

In 1973, U.S. houses consumed 735 kilowatt-hours during summertime; in 2020, the numbers went up to 1384 kilowatt-hours. This represents an 88.16% increase in the residential energy demand during the summer.

Here are a few reasons that could be causing those summer peaks:

Summer comes with higher temperatures, making most of us use our ACs, fans, or other cooling systems more than we’d do in normal conditions.

1. Days are longer during summer, which leads to the extended use of lighting and electronic devices.
2. Transformers and distribution systems overheat and become less efficient.
3. Summer is when we most have our pools up and running, and pools demand a lot of energy from pool filters to run pumps.
4. Freezers, fridges, or other cooling devices work harder with higher temperatures because they demand more energy to maintain the cool.
5. While washing machines may not be directly affected in hot and humid conditions, dryers do. During these conditions, clothes dryers may need to work longer to reduce moisture, increasing energy usage.

Importance of Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is crucial in managing energy consumption, particularly during peak periods like summer. Businesses and individuals can reap significant benefits by adopting energy-efficient practices and technologies. Let’s explore them in detail.

• Lower Utility Bills: Energy-efficient appliances and practices reduce the electricity needed, directly lowering monthly bills. For example, using LED lighting instead of incandescent bulbs.
• Reduced Maintenance Costs: Energy-efficient systems and appliances tend to have longer lifespans and require less maintenance, saving money on repairs and replacements.
• Decreased Grid Stain: Efficient energy use lowers the demand on the electrical grid, particularly during peak times. This reduces the risk of blackouts and improves the reliability of power supply.
• Mitigate Heat Island Effect: Energy-efficient buildings produce less waste heat, which can reduce the heat island effect by using less energy, especially for cooling, buildings contribute less to ambient temperature increase in urban areas.
• Reduced Thermal Discomfort and Heat Stress: well-insulated and energy-efficient homes maintain more stable indoor temperatures. This is crucial food for the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions that could worsen with heat.
• Water Conservation: Many power plants require significant amounts of water for cooling. Reducing electricity consumption decreases the water needed for power generation, conversing a vital resource that’s scarce during summer.

Home Energy Saving Tips

There are many ways to improve residential energy efficiency.

Use LED light bulbs

LED lights are more energy-efficient and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, which will reduce electricity usage and replacement costs. Just this alone can significantly boost household electricity savings leading to more funds available for other projects.

Programmable/smart thermostats

Install programmable thermostats to automatically adjust the temperature when you’re not home, optimizing cooling efficiency and saving on energy bills.

Keep the air conditioner filter clean

Clogged and dirty filters will make your air conditioner work hard and use more energy to circulate air and absorb heat. Regularly cleaning or replacing your filters will keep them up and running and energy efficient.

ENERGY STAR Windows

Its technology-smart coating works almost exactly as sunscreen would do on your skin, keeping the summer heat out of your home. ENERGY STAR Windows can help your home remain cool for the summer and reduce the need for air conditioning.

Lower the temperature of your water heaters

Nobody likes a cold shower during winter times, but during summer time it can be refreshing and it can also reduce your energy needs by nearly 15% just by lowering the temperature of your water heaters.

How to Optimize HVAC Systems During Summer

• Set your thermostat to 78°F (26°C) when you’re home and need cooling. When you’re away, increase the temperature to 85°F (29°C) or higher. This balance maintains comfort and reduces energy usage.
• Ceiling fans can help circulate cool air, allowing you to set the thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort and extra energy usage.
• Avoid using heat-generating appliances during the hottest parts of the day. These activities can raise indoor temperatures and force your HVAC to work harder.
• Close blinds, curtains, or shades during the hottest parts of the day to block out sunlight and reduce heat. This will help you maintain an indoor cooler, easing the load on your HVAC.

If You Have a Pool

• Use variable-speed pool pump, which is more energy efficient and can save significant energy compared to single-speed pumps
• Limit the pool pump operation time to the minimum needed for cleaning and filtering, cutting down on energy consumption.
• Lowering your pool’s temperature reduces the amount of energy needed to maintain it, especially during peak summer months.

Workplace Energy Saving Tips (Commercial Buildings)

Conduct an energy audit before summer comes

Hire professional energy auditors to conduct a thorough analysis of your building’s energy consumption patterns. They will use advanced tools like thermal imaging cameras to identify areas of energy loss.

Replace bulbs with LED lighting

LED light consumes 75% less energy and lasts 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. Plan and execute a comprehensive LED retrofit program, replacing outdated lighting fixtures with energy-efficient LEDs. Ensure that all external lighting is also converted to LED.

Besides, integrates occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting systems, and programmable controls to optimize lighting use and reduce energy consumption.

Energy-efficient equipment

Implement a power management setting on all office equipment to automatically power down or enter sleep mode during periods of inactivity. Use centralized control systems for equipment like copiers and printers to reduce standby power consumption.

Ensure all new equipment and appliances are ENERGY STAR certified or meet equivalent energy efficiency standards.

Get the team involved

Conduct regular training sessions and awareness campaigns to make sure all team members are familiar with the energy-saving features of the equipment they use, such as power-saving modes, and proper shutdown procedures. Implement feedback systems where employees can also report energy waste or suggest improvements.

Optimize HVAC systems in work environments

• Ensure the regular maintenance of your system including cleaning or replacing filters, checking for leaks, and making sure all components are in good working order.
• Install VSDs on motors and pumps to adjust their speed based on real-time demand, improving efficiency.
• Use air-side economizers to take advantage of cooler outside air to reduce cooling loads.

Community and Environmental Impact of Reducing Peak Energy Consumption

Reducing energy use during peak periods benefits communities and the environment by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, reducing air pollution, and decreasing energy costs. It also enhances grid reliability and defers the need for new infrastructure investments.

Ways Individuals and Businesses Can Contribute:

• Install solar panels or participate in community solar programs
• Turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use
• Implement home or business battery systems
• Use public transit, carpool or install EV charging stations

Some of these actions, plus the one we previously discussed, can reduce the environmental impact, lower costs, reduce energy peaks, and support a more sustainable future.

The Future of Energy Efficiency

The electricity and energy industry has been changing and moving forward to strategies that could help reduce the impact on the environment and the energy usage that has increased a lot over the years.

By 2025, renewable energy is set to surpass coal as the leading source of electricity globally, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Wind and solar photovoltaic power generation will surpass nuclear power in 2025 and 2026.

To defeat the summer peak in energy consumption, it’s crucial to embrace energy-efficient practices and technologies. Using LED lights, programmable thermostats, and optimizing HVAC systems can significantly lower utility bills, reduce maintenance costs, and decrease the strain on the grid.