Conservation Tips & Tricks

Summer Tips & Tricks

School is out and the air carries the scents of sunscreen and afternoon thunderstorms. That can only mean that summer is here! Check out these great ways to save energy and water while enjoying your summer.

 

  • Natural Lighting: Take advantage of the copious amounts of natural light available with longer days. Let that light in to reduce your indoor lighting needs and don't forget to turn off lights that aren't needed!
  • Control the Sun: Limit light exposure from southern and western facing windows in your home. The natural light is great, but the sun is particularly intense coming through these sides of your home and can make your home really hot! Keep your home cool by using thermal blinds which can filter the light into your room without letting too much of the heat in.
  • Use Nature to Cool Your Home: Even in the summer night time temperatures in Truckee drop well into the 40's and 50's (and have been known to even go lower!). Take advantage of this by opening windows and using fans throughout the night to pre-cool your home for the next day. When you get up, shut all your windows and keep your doors closed to protect that nice cool home throughout the day!
  • Air-Dry Laundry: Put the sun to work. With warmer day-time temperatures start air drying your laundry to save gas or electricity (and the wear & tear on your dryer).
  • Take stock of your landscaping: We are currently in the midst of an extended drought cycle in western U.S. and must conserve water! Remember that everyone needs to do their part by only irrigating every other day, using hose nozzles on all hoses, and limiting outdoor water use to only necessary uses.
  • Ride your bike: Whether it’s your commute to work or a jaunt to the store, park your car and break out your bike. A myriad of electric bike options are now available to make travel around Truckee a snap!