The relationship between the weather and energy usage is a perpetual cycle. As temperatures spike or drop, energy use will increase or decrease due to various factors. For example, as temperatures worsen, you will likely spend more money heating your home and trying to maintain a comfortable temperature. As leading providers of complete commercial and residential electrical services, the team at Expert Electric knows how important weather is when discussing energy usage. That is why we have compiled some information outlining how various weather conditions increase energy usage and how to minimize this increase wherever possible.
Learn about five common home electrical problems that can happen in any season.
How Does Weather Affect Energy Usage?
Seasonal weather conditions will drastically affect temperature and humidity levels, both of which have a substantial impact on energy usage. The following conditions tend to have the most significant impacts:
Extreme Heat.
The sweltering heat of summer can turn any residential or commercial space into an unbearable environment, prompting the frequent use of air conditioning units and cooling fans to provide some respite. As the mercury climbs, so does the reliance on these cooling systems, leading to a significant surge in energy demand and consumption. This spike impacts the environment and results in hefty utility bills.
To combat this, there are several strategies to optimize the use of air conditioning units without compromising on comfort. One effective method is to set the air conditioner’s fan to the “auto” mode, which ensures the fan operates only when the cooling system is active, reducing continuous energy use. Additionally, adjusting the thermostat to 18°C or slightly higher when the building is unoccupied can prevent unnecessary cooling and energy wastage.
Such measures can contribute to a substantial reduction in energy consumption, curtailing costs while still maintaining a comfortable indoor climate. It’s a balance that benefits your wallet and contributes to a more sustainable approach to managing indoor temperatures during the intense summer months.
Freezing Cold
During the colder months of autumn and winter, the drop in temperature can significantly impact both comfort levels and energy consumption in homes and commercial buildings. The increased use of heating devices, such as portable, strip, and baseboard heaters, has become a common response to combat the chill. However, these heaters are among the top contributors to high energy bills during these seasons due to their substantial energy requirements.
To mitigate this surge in energy use, one effective strategy is to enhance the insulation of your building. Proper insulation is a barrier to heat loss, maintaining a warmer indoor environment and reducing the need for constant heating. Sealing windows is another crucial step, preventing cold drafts and retaining warm air inside, which can substantially decrease the reliance on heating units.
Moreover, a simple yet effective habit is to switch off heating units in unoccupied rooms. This conserves energy and optimizes heating usage, focusing on occupied spaces where warmth is most needed. By adopting these measures, homeowners and businesses can achieve a comfortable indoor climate during the colder seasons while minimizing energy consumption and reducing the strain on power grids, ultimately leading to cost savings and a more sustainable energy usage pattern.
Excessive Humidity
Humidity plays a significant role in how we perceive temperature, often making the air feel warmer than the actual temperature readings. This sensation can increase reliance on air conditioning systems or portable cooling units to maintain comfort levels within living spaces or workplaces. However, it’s crucial to recognize that these cooling solutions, particularly air conditioners, are substantial energy consumers, impacting utility costs and environmental footprint.
Alternative strategies can be employed to optimize comfort while minimizing energy consumption. One practical approach is using ceiling fans, which circulate air within a room, cooling the skin and making the environment feel cooler without substantially lowering the room’s temperature. This can reduce the need for air conditioning, leading to significant energy savings.
Another strategy is utilizing a portable dehumidifier, which can extract excess moisture from the air, reduce humidity, and make the indoor climate more comfortable. By directly addressing the humidity rather than the temperature, dehumidifiers can provide a more energy-efficient way to enhance comfort without the heavy energy usage associated with traditional cooling methods.
Adopting these alternatives contributes to a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to indoor climate control. It helps maintain a comfortable living or working environment without overly depending on energy-intensive cooling systems.
To learn more about energy usage or determine how to minimize consumption during seasonal peaks, contact the Expert Electric team. We can be reached through our online contact form and will happily answer any questions regarding our services.
