Summer is here. It isn’t coming. It isn’t just getting warmer. We are in the thick of it. Many of us are seeing humidity soaked days of 100+ degrees. We are all tempted to crank up the AC, drink a few more cold ones and basically burn energy like it is our job. But we all need to make a more conscious effort to conserve energy and conserve resources to slow the march of global warming. Hey, it saves money too and that is something we can all keep cool about.

I thought I would put together this list of things we can all do to cut our energy consumption this sizzling summer. It starts out pretty easy and then escalates into some more difficult challenges. I even included a list of five computer specific ways to really cut down. After you read ‘em though, let us know what you are doing this season to keep cool and be cool!

1. Resist the urge to live in a refrigerator.  78 degrees is plenty cool in the house.  Turn down the AC and get a programmable thermostat so you’re only cooling the house when you really need to.
2.  Air dry your dishes and clothes. The dryer and dish washer use a lot of energy– and the air does the drying job just as well.
3.  Take shorter showers and do not take baths.  Hot water heating is one of the major uses of energy in any home.  Short showers are the way to go. Baths use much more water and heat than do baths (unless you’re taking 30 minute showers!).
4.  Make sure you have energy-efficient lighting throughout your home. Everyone has heard about compact fluorescent lights by now. But are you up to date on LED lights? Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have come a long way, baby, and they are often 10 times more efficient than compact flourescents.
5.  Ditch the beer fridge. It’s amazing how many homes have two refrigerators.  Please do not use more than one fridge.  And if you have an old model, get a newer Energy Star model.
6.  Use ceiling fans or even floor fans rather than AC.  They are much more energy-efficient and you can get very reasonably priced Energy Star models.
7.  Get solar screens for your windows. These screens cut 75% of the heat coming through your windows, but don’t impact your visibility.
8.  Plant trees!  Placing deciduous trees on the South side of your home is a great way to block summer heat, but keep the sun shining on your home in the winter when you need the warmth.
9.  Spend one night each week in candlelight. It’s romantic, fun and inspires new conversation. I think they smell pretty good as well, if you get the right ones.
10. Use a solar oven for some cooking. Yes these exist and yes, they really work! You don’t want that hot oven on in your house anyway. You can either buy a solar oven, or you can learn to make one yourself.

And now for the computer tips (for you geeks):

1. Visit the Energy Star Computer page. The page provides a link to an Excel document that lists every qualified computer. You can find computers by manufacturer, desktop or laptop system or model. Check this list before you buy, particularly if you are buying online and there is no sales person to help you find an Energy Star certified model.

2. Set the energy efficient mode. After you have your new computer at home, make sure you run it in the most energy efficient mode. Reduce power requirements by closing applications when they aren’t in use, by setting the screen brightness at the lowest comfortable level, and by putting it instantly into sleep mode when you know you will be away for a few minutes.

NOTE: A computer’s energy consumption depends on what you’re doing with it. Writing an email uses less energy than playing a graphics-heavy game. I’m not suggesting that you quit playing computer games, but you might think about dragging out the old board games once in a while instead.

3. Maintain and Upgrade. The majority of energy that goes into a computer is actually used during the manufacturing process. Once you have an energy efficient computer, take care to keep it in good running condition for as long as possible. Upgrade and fix when necessary so that the machine runs efficiently for the long term.

4. Don’t litter. When you get a new energy-efficient computer, dispose of the old one properly. Search in your area for a place that will recycle or reuse the computer parts so that the toxic materials in the old computer don’t end up in your local landfill.