Summer is around the corner, so make sure your home is ready to embrace all that summer has to offer. As temperatures rise, so does your energy use – upwards of 30% because of changing habits like cooling your home. With these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your energy this summer.
Keeping your home cool can demand a lot of energy. Managing your electric use when the weather is hot and humid is key to controlling your monthly energy costs. When it comes to comfort and control, it’s important to remember the four factors to help you and your energy bill stay cool this season.
- Energy Usage: Half the cost of your energy bill comes from cooling your home. Adjust your thermostat to pre-cool your home before 3 p.m. to take advantage of lower, off-peak rates.
- Fluctuation in Temps: When things heat up outside, turn your thermostat up a few degrees or to the recommended summer setting of 78 degrees to keep your energy costs down.
- Monthly Billing Cycle: Cycles can run from 26 to 35 days, so monthly bills may vary based on the number of days.
- Household Changes: Are your kids home from school during the day or home from college all summer long? More people in your home can mean more electric use. Switch to energy efficient appliances to help you save.
Get ahead of the summer heat and take advantage of these simple tips and tricks to maximize your energy savings and summertime fun.
- Change HVAC filter at least every 3 months
- Schedule a professional checkup for your cooling system
- Clean, seal and insulate ductwork for any air leaks
- Install a programmable or smart thermostat
- Shade sun-facing windows to block heat caused by sunlight in the summer and shade your A/C unit to use as much as 10% less energy
Planning ahead and using these tips can help you save money and keep everyone comfortable this summer. Learn more tips on staying comfortable while saving energy this summer!