It’s official, July has arrived! This means summer is in full swing and there are many opportunities for entertaining. We love a nice sunny day, burgers on the grill, and a dip in the pool (or sprinkler!). Whether you are hosting a small cookout or a big summer bash, we’re here to help you save energy all while being a relaxed host. Entertaining shouldn’t be stressful and you don’t need the thought of lingering high energy costs to ruin your party. This July Fourth weekend, we hope that you enjoy family, friends, and energy savings. It’s our wish that you see fireworks, just not when opening your energy bill this month. So sit back, grab a cold beverage, and let us give you tips to make effortless entertaining a reality.
- Gather outdoors. This is a request in which most guests will happily oblige. Ditch the AC and indoor lights and opt for an unplugged afternoon in the fresh air. If gathering on a hot day, look for shady areas under umbrellas, awnings, porches, or trees.
- Find other ways to stay cool. If you have access to a pool, or even a plastic kiddie pool or sprinkler, this is the time to use it! Don’t get beat by the heat. Get your bathing suits on and make a splash!
- Turn down your thermostat. While enjoying time outside, it’s best to lower or even turn off your AC completely. With doors opening and closing, no need to waste energy on cooling the outside.
- Utilize curtains or blinds. Energy efficient curtains or blinds can help keep your house cool so your AC doesn’t have to work overtime (if at all on certain days). Check out your options and focus on the windows that get the most sun throughout the day.
- Keep drinks cold in an ice-filled bin. Skip using the fridge to keep beverages cool and instead fill a bucket with ice. Not only does this make it convenient for guests to grab their favorite drink but you’ll also prevent wasted energy from escaping.
- Cook strategically. Avoid using large appliances like the oven – not only do they use more energy but they push added heat into your living space. Opt for smaller, more efficient items like slow cookers or a microwave to heat food. Grilling is the most popular option when cooking for a large group on a nice day. Try to keep the grill away from entrances to your home and your guests to eliminate as much heat as possible. When you can, cook food in batches to avoid turning appliances on and off frequently. Cookouts are also a great time to incorporate cold dishes that do not require heating up such as salads, appetizers, and desserts.
- Clean-up like a pro. If washing dishes by hand, make sure to scrape off any leftover food into the trash first and tone down the hot water. If using a dishwasher, try washing full loads of dishes.
- Use other lighting methods. This is a great opportunity to try some new outdoor lighting options such as twinkle and solar lights. Not only are both of these visually appealing, they require minimal investment and work on your part. And, did we mention the energy savings?
There you have it, 8 easy ways to save energy this summer while entertaining. We hope that as you prepare for your next party or gathering, these tips will help make hosting a breeze! No reason to sweat it when you have the tools to make your event a huge success!
To learn more about UGI Energy Services, check out https://ugies.com/.
