13 Summer Energy-Savers
By Heba Nazer, Green Buildings and Sustainability expert
Summer is always synonymous with sunshine, outdoor fun, and soaring temperatures. Keeping cool during these hot months often leads to higher electricity bills and increased energy consumption.
Heat Waves
The world is experiencing higher temperatures and more heatwaves during the summer; a trend that has been increasingly noticeable for all of us over the past few years, impacting regions across the world.
Globally, the number of heatwaves has risen by over 50%, with June 2024 being marked as the warmest June since climate records began in 1850. The Middle East has also experienced unexpected heat, with Kuwait recording a temperature equal to 52°C.
Health risks
Heatwaves can also lead to significant health risks and heat related deaths. In Saudi Arabia, at least 1,300 people died from heat-related illnesses during the Hajj pilgrimage this year.
In Egypt’s southern province of Aswan, high temperatures of nearly 50°C resulted in at least 40 Deaths.
These high temperatures have also caused a surge in energy consumption across the country leading the government to impose daily power cuts to avoid overloading the electrical grid.
The summer of 2022 alone witnessed over 61,000 deaths due extreme temperatures across Europe.
These extreme heat waves require quick and effective climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures on the wellness of people and the energy they consume.
The role of the built environment
Buildings play a crucial role in the amount of electricity and energy consumption needed for cooling.
In Jordan, the residential sector accounts for approximately 43% of the country’s total electricity consumption, air conditioning accounts for at least 10% of the total electricity consumption.
One of the reasons for this is poorly insulated buildings which trap heat indoors and put an extra load on electricity consumption from cooling.
Additionally, dense urban areas with limited green open spaces often experience the “urban heat island” effect, where temperatures are higher compared to those of rural areas.
By making simple design changes such as improving insulation and incorporating natural ventilation and cooling strategies, you can enjoy more comfortable living spaces while lowering your electricity bills and reducing your environmental footprint.
Energy-Saving Tips
Here are some environment-friendly strategies and tips that can reduce your electricity bills
1. Incorporating natural ventilation
Maximise the use of windows and doors to allow cool air to flow through the house. Open windows that are opposite from each other allow air to flow and circulate.
Make sure not to open windows that are not shaded from the sun during peak hours of the day because air adjacent to the window will be hotter than indoor air and will cause a rise in temperature.
Try to open west facing windows early in the morning and close east windows during noon time
2. Using window coverings
Close blinds or curtains during the hottest time of the day to block the sun’s rays. Close your shutters of east oriented rooms from 10:00am to 2:00pm and later in the afternoon in west rooms. This is when you have the highest concentration of solar radiation
3. Using window film
Window film should be used on the west and south windows of your house. It can protect you from 40-80% of solar heat and reflect 80% of the solar radiation which are a great cause of internal heat
4. Optimising fans over air conditioning
Electrical fans use far less energy than split unit ACs which can result in energy savings and reduced your energy bills
5. Trying the ice fan method
Place a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan to cool down the air. The air blowing over the ice will create a cool mist, lowering the room temperature
6. Cooking during cooler hours
Try to use the oven or stove early in the morning or late in the evening when the outdoor temperature is lower because ovens can significantly heat up your home
7. Insulating and sealing your home
Proper insulation keeps the heat out and the cool air in. You can still add a layer of insulation to the interior side of the wall in your home to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Check as well for any gaps around windows, doors and shutters to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from entering
8. Planting Trees
Trees provide natural shade, reducing the amount of direct sunlight entering your home. Consider planting deciduous trees that provide shade in the summer and allow sunlight through in winter
9. Adding window shading devices
Install awnings or shades over windows and patios to reduce heat gain from the sun
10. Hydrating and dressing appropriately
Thermal comfort depends on multiple aspects such as clothing. Wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable natural fabrics will help keep you cool. Drinking plenty of water helps your body regulate temperature.
11. Adding a water feature
Adding moisture to the air can help lower the temperature and make the room feel cooler. This is a cooling method called “evaporative cooling”. You can achieve this by creating a small indoor fountain or even placing a bowl of water in front of your fan to cool the air through evaporation
12. Savimg money by keeping your AC filters clean
If you have air conditioning, cleaning the filter of your unit results in five percent energy savings. A clean unit increases efficiency and consumes less energy for cooling. A dirty filter clogs the system and reduces airflow
13. Checking the energy label
The energy label ratings (A to G) on equipment is an indication of the energy efficiency, with A being the most efficient and F being less efficient. Ensure that your air conditioner has an inverter and has an energy rating equal to level A. The F rated air conditioner consumes three times more than the A rated Air conditioner
You can contact Heba Nazer at [email protected]
