Earth Day is celebrated every April 22nd.

Earth Day is about encouraging people worldwide to come together in support of renewable energy.

Reducing Energy Consumption

Earth Day brings renewed awareness around preservation and sustainability. It’s a great chance to start new habits that will reduce our energy consumption and have a positive impact on the planet.

Here are some everyday ways you can use less energy, especially during the upcoming summer months:

• Lay Off the A/C
  Air conditioning accounts for 17% of the average American household’s annual energy usage. That’s understandable with extreme summer temperatures becoming more common, but most of us can stay comfortable at slightly higher indoor temperatures.
  The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day to save up to 10% on your energy bill. Using an AprilAire Dehumidifier can also contribute to energy savings by removing moisture from the air, making higher temperatures feel more comfortable.
• Wash Cold and Hang Dry
  Washing clothes uses large amounts of water and electricity, and can add heat to your home. Hot water washing machine cycles require a lot of energy, so save them for killing germs on soiled towels or clothes, especially when there’s someone sick at home and you don’t want the germs to spread. When it comes time to dry, hang clothes on an outdoor clothesline or indoor drying rack when possible. Again, the heat of the dryer can be useful for killing germs, so use it when needed.
• Use Light Sparingly
  Depending on the amount and location of the windows in your home, extended sunlight hours can keep you from using indoor lighting for much of the day. You can also employ what’s called “task lighting,” which trades energy-hungry diffuse lighting like ceiling lights for efficient, focused lights like LED table lamps and track lighting.
• Install Efficient Appliances
  Check for the ENERGY STAR^® certification on large appliances like your air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher. AprilAire whole-home e-series dehumidifiers (Models E080, E100, and E130) were awarded the ENERGY STAR^® certification in 2025, showing they deliver 23% energy savings compared to uncertified units. Plus, using a dehumidifier helps reduce the burden on your air conditioner.
  
• Cook Smart
  Take advantage of pressure cookers, slow cookers, and toaster ovens for smaller baking and toasting tasks. These appliances save time, keep the house cool, and consume less energy compared to a large conventional oven.
  Plus, there are lots of summer-friendly, no-bake recipes that the whole family can prepare and enjoy.