Tips and Savings to Beat the Heat

Published in

PaloAltoConnect

5 min readAug 31, 2023

Although the summer season may only last a few more weeks, we are likely to continue experiencing some hotter than usual days. We are sharing tips and events to help you save money and conserve energy and water so you can keep cool despite the hot weather. In addition to these easy, low- to no-cost efficiency savings tips, find other ways to stay cool with hot weather safety tips, cooling center locations and more via this recent community update.

TIPS FOR SAVING WATER OUTDOORS

Although we are no longer in a drought, it’s important for a sustainable future that we continue to conserve water. While our beautiful gardens are a great way to cheer our spirits and enhance curb appeal, if we’re not careful, they can easily waste a lot of water. Here are some ways you can significantly reduce water usage outdoors while keeping your garden healthy:

Use the City’s WaterSmart Tool

This tool can show you where you use the most water and get personalized recommendations about reducing waste. WaterSmart can show you how much water you’re using and where, helping you reduce utility costs and conserve water with efficiency tips and rebates customized to your needs and water usage patterns.

Schedule a Water Wise Outdoor Survey

The average family uses half of their water on landscaping, so it’s a good idea to do seasonal check-ups to make sure there are no leaks in your irrigation system. Rather than trying to figure it out on your own, you can sign up for Valley Water’s free Water Wise Outdoor Survey, where a trained irrigation professional will complete a comprehensive evaluation of your irrigation system.

Switch to Water-Wise Landscaping

Switching to drought-tolerant landscaping can bring peace of mind — both from the perspective of helping the earth and saving money on water bills. Valley Water provides free landscape resources and rebates for creating a more sustainable landscape. Palo Alto residents can get a rebate of up to $5,000 for converting lawns to beautiful low-water-use landscapes. Customers must apply and receive approval before starting any work or purchasing any equipment. Learn more about the program here.

Stormwater Rebates

The City of Palo Alto in partnership with Valley Water offers rebates for rain barrels, cisterns, rain gardens, and pervious pavement, which collect water for future irrigation use and enhance the beauty and efficiency of your landscape. Learn more here.

More Tips to Save Waters Outdoors

Water your plants in the early morning or late evening to prevent evaporation.
When taking a shower use a bucket to collect excess water for your plants.
Add mulch to garden beds to keep soil cool and reduce evaporation.
Cover your pool when not in use to keep it clean and warm.

Find more water efficiency tips here.

TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR HOME MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT

Summer heat makes us more dependent on cooling systems, which means our electricity usage and bills can spike dramatically. Here are some helpful tips on improving energy efficiency at home.

Get a Free Home Efficiency Consultation

The City of Palo Alto offers free phone consultations to provide energy and water efficiency advice for all Palo Alto residents. Energy advisors provide expert and impartial guidance to save you money and keep you comfortable. Go here for details.

Everything You Need to Replace Your Old Water Heater

Right now, the City is permitting AND installing new heat pump water heaters for Palo Alto residents. We’ll even help you save thousands of dollars on new equipment that doesn’t burn expensive gas. Call (650) 713–3411 or visit cityofpaloalto.org/switch for a free consultation.

More Tips on Improving Energy Efficiency at Home

Run your dishwasher only when the load is full to maximize energy usage.
Switch to LED bulbs, which use only a fraction of the energy compared to incandescent bulbs.
Close the blinds in your home to help maintain a cool temperature.
Upgrade your attic insulation to improve efficiency and comfort year-round.

Interested in learning more? Visit cityofpaloalto.org/efficiencytips.

CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY

Find ways to connect with the community about conservation efforts through digital and in-person resources.

Lawn Alternatives for Home Landscapes

Come visit the newly updated Lawn Alternatives demonstration garden and learn about the many beautiful choices for lower water, lower maintenance, and less fertilizer-using plants for your home landscape on September 2 at 10 a.m. Replacement plantings for your conventional high water-using sod lawn or for designing new spaces are demonstrated in three categories, with four examples in each category. Bring your questions! Presented by UC Master Gardener Carolyn Williams, free to attend.

Second Saturday at Gamble Garden: September 9 @ 10 a.m.

All ages are invited to join a guided tour of the historic house and garden on a beautiful September morning. The garden will be bountiful with fruits and vegetables ready for harvest. Free Guided Nature Hunts, hands-on-activities, and a storytime are available for families. September guided tours will include a look at Gamble’s edible garden and some surprising facts about the origins of your favorite foods. The historic house will be decorated to celebrate the harvest.

Rain Barrel Workshop: September 30 @ 10 a.m.

Learn how rain barrels can improve your property and garden, conserve water, save money, and help protect local creeks and San Francisco Bay. Join our specialist, Chris Corvetti, in an in-person informational workshop to understand the benefits of rain barrels, what’s involved in rain barrel installation and maintenance, and how they can help our environment. Learn more and register here.

Webinars

Watch previous events and workshops from City of Palo Alto Utilities such as Tree Selection, Water, and Care and Clean and Efficient Heating and Cooling, here.

Join the Sustainability Conversation

Visit the Sustainability Hub to join the Sustainability conversation. Learn more about the seven sustainability elements and find ways you can make an impact in your home. Or, connect with others working towards conservation by sharing the steps you’re taking to create a more sustainable Palo Alto on the Get Involved Map.