Hot weather doesn't have to affect your bottom line. Whether preparing to install a new commercial electrical system or checking your monthly home energy bill, choosing the right energy source is critical. Keep reading to learn about energy-saving strategies that will help you save money this summer and throughout the year.
Benefits of Saving Energy
Whether investing in a new floating solar energy system or simply unplugging a few unused electronic devices, energy-use reduction strategies can lead to these advantages.
Environmentally-Friendly Energy
Clean energy helps reduce direct and indirect environmental effects of your energy production. In 2021, approximately 60% of electricity generation in the United States was from fossil fuels. The energy produced through fossil fuel combustion releases greenhouse gasses that can negatively affect the environment.
Reducing energy use can lead to fewer greenhouse gas emissions, directly at your facility or indirectly through electricity generation. Switching to an alternative energy source, such as installing floating solar platforms, can also significantly reduce emissions.
Lower Energy Bills
Increased energy use means increased energy production needs. Fossil fuel reliance and high energy usage can lead to fuel poverty, usually described as a household that needs to spend 10% or more on its energy bill.
Low-income households are particularly susceptible to fuel poverty, but rising costs can also affect other households and businesses. By lowering the total fossil fuel use and seeking higher energy yield strategies, your company and clients can see reduced electricity production and usage costs.
Improved Well-Being
Saving energy can improve your well-being by making positive indoor thermal qualities easy to achieve. Proper heating and ventilation can reduce the number of pollutants in the air and any adverse health effects associated with temperature extremes.
On average, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors. Reduced energy costs can help households and businesses maintain healthy temperatures and ventilation levels.
Energy Security
Businesses and regional energy providers can enjoy increased energy security by switching to alternative electricity production, like renewable energy. Reduced reliance on fossil fuels can ensure efficient energy production.
Energy-Saving Tips for the Summer Months
Save energy by reducing use, increasing efficiency, and leveraging renewable sources such as floating photovoltaics (FPV). From your home to a regional network of commercial buildings, here are some ways to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels and lower your monthly bills.
1. Check Your Air Conditioner
Air conditioners are large sources of electricity use. Whether at home or in an office building, an inefficient A/C unit means a high electricity bill. Schedule routine inspections by a certified HVAC technician to review any cleaning or repair needs.
Replacing air filters is a commonly missed step that impacts overall electricity costs. You should replace a residential filter about every three months, though the exact timeline can vary.
Your thermostat may also be the cause of inefficient energy use. Consider installing a smart thermostat to better control your heating and air conditioning systems for year-round savings.
2. Close Your Blinds
Window blinds and drapes are helpful in shielding rooms from direct sunlight. Sunlight pouring into a room causes it to heat up, which means increased electricity use to maintain a cool indoor temperature in the summer.
3. Monitor Your Devices
Many devices around your home or commercial building may use more energy than you realize. Any device plugged in, even if it isn't powered on, can result in power loss. This loss, known as phantom power, may increase your electricity bill.
Unplug devices when possible, and switch to LED light bulbs to maximize your energy affordability.
4. Reduce Hot Water Use
According to the U.S Department of Energy, heating water is about 20% of a home's energy use. Commercial buildings also use a significant amount of electricity to heat water. Dialing down a water heater thermostat, using warm water for a dishwasher, taking cool showers, and using warm water for full loads of laundry are all energy-saving hacks.
5. Explore Renewable Energy Sources
Solar, wind, hydropower, and other renewable energy sources can reduce your electricity usage costs and environmental concerns. While many renewable alternatives exist, floating solar platforms offer unique benefits.
A floating solar energy system uses floating photovoltaics for sustainable energy production. Thanks to this technology, these platforms offer a low-maintenance solution for clean power production.
These unique panels are attached to AccuDock technology to create a stable, durable, and space-saving solution for floating solar arrays. This durable floating PV design can withstand hurricane-force winds and can be added to hydroelectric dams to reduce evaporation and save space.
Learn More About AccuSolar Floating Solar Systems
Learn more about floating solar arrays from AccuSolar. See how solar float innovation and customized floating solar platforms can help you reduce energy costs, reduce greenhouse emissions, and enjoy sustainable energy production.
Contact AccuSolar today to learn more about getting started with floating solar platforms.