Break Free of High Bills
PrintSoaring temperatures and sultry summer nights can cause electric bills to skyrocket. This summer, take a vacation from high electric bills by making your home—and your family’s habits—more energy efficient.
Beat the Heat
Air conditioning helps most Americans beat the sweltering summer heat.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air conditioning accounts for as much as 50% of the average household electric bill.
Proper maintenance and smart use of your home’s cooling system will help keep your electric bill in check.
First, make sure your air conditioner’s external unit is clean and free of debris. Clear dead leaves or overgrown plants and weeds to enable the unit to perform as it should.
Second, change the air filters quarterly, or more often in homes with allergy sufferers or smokers. Fresh filters reduce the strain on your cooling system and improve air quality in the home.
Third, the DOE recommends you set your thermostat as high as possible while still maintaining a comfortable environment for your family.
Bumping up the thermostat at least 2 degrees can make a noticeable difference on your power bill.
Investing in a programmable thermostat can lead to even greater savings by automatically adjusting the cooling system to run more often when you are home and less often when you are away.
Made in the Shade
Windows are great sources of natural light but also great sources of heat during the summer.
Curtains, blinds and shades make your windows and home more energy efficient. Window coverings are a low-cost, stylish solution to shield the sun’s rays and keep the home’s interior cool and comfortable.
Proper weatherstripping and caulking around window panes and casings keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
Solar film applied to your home’s existing windows further repels the summer heat.
Daily Grind
Today’s appliances perform better and use less electricity than they did in the past.
Despite their functionality and efficiency, most give off heat when in use.
During peak daytime temperatures, residual heat from appliances can strain your home’s cooling system and send your power bill soaring.
Run the dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer in the early morning or late night, when temperatures are cooler.
When possible, turn off your dishwasher’s drying cycle. This prevents residual heat from warming your home and saves on your power bill.
Washing your clothes in cold water and hanging them out to dry are also great ways to reduce your energy consumption
