Beat the heat and save the energy!
Are you tired of receiving those sky-high electric bills in the summer months? Now’s a great time to take control of your energy usage and pave the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective lifestyle. Thankfully, we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of energy-saving tips that can help potentially lower your utility bill, all while reducing your environmental footprint. From simple adjustments to smart upgrades, we'll guide you through practical and effective strategies to help you save some cold hard cash during the heat of summer.
Keep it cool
On average, Inspire Clean Energy states that an air conditioner costs between $0.06 and $0.88 per hour to use. With this figure in mind, let’s say you run your air conditioner for 12 hours a day during the month of July. You’ll end up spending between $22.32 and $327.36 to use it during that month alone!
To offset these costs, you can set your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature during the summer months. Every degree you raise it can result in significant energy savings. Consider using a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature when you're away from home. You can also take advantage of cooler evening and early morning air by opening windows and using fans to circulate the air. Avoid using air conditioning during these times to save energy.
If you do rely on air conditioning, make sure your cooling system is clean and well-maintained. Clean or replace filters regularly to ensure optimal airflow and energy efficiency. Also, ensure your home is properly insulated and sealed to prevent cool air from escaping and hot air from entering which can ultimately help produce a lower electric bill.
Beat the heat
When thinking of energy-saving tips, don't forget to minimize heat-generating activities during the day, such as using the dishwasher, oven, or dryer. Opt for cooler times of the day or consider air-drying your laundry to avoid adding unnecessary heat to your home.
Fortunately, summer is the perfect time for outdoor cooking. Elect to grill or use outdoor appliances instead of using your oven and stove, which generate heat and can make your home warmer, leading to increased air conditioning usage.
Let in the light
Take advantage of natural daylight instead of relying on artificial lighting. Open blinds and curtains during the day to brighten up your home without the need for electric lights. With this in mind, be sure to use curtains, blinds, or shades to block direct sunlight from entering your home during the hottest parts of the day. This will reduce the amount of heat that enters your home and decrease the workload on your cooling system.
Achieve a lower electric bill and swap out traditional incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient options such as LED or CFL bulbs. These bulbs use significantly less energy and produce less heat, helping to keep your home cooler.
Unplug your electronics
Many devices and appliances continue to draw power even when they're turned off or in standby mode. Unplug electronics such as chargers, gaming consoles, and computers when they're not in use to eliminate unnecessary energy consumption.
Implementing these energy-saving tips will not only help you lower your bill but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly summer season. Looking for more energy-saving tips? Here are some sustainable banking habits you can incorporate into your life today that can have a long-term impact.
Want to save more during the winter months? Here’s how you can plan to save 30% or more on your heating bills.