Summer has officially arrived, and we can feel it! We have already had some HOT summer days in Southwest Missouri. Are you fighting the urge to crank up your AC, or have you decided (maybe even a while ago) to get that cool air blowing? Regardless of when we turn on our AC, we know to expect a higher electric bill. But, did you know there are ways that you can cool your home without sending your summer electric bills sky-high? Here are some tips to help lower your electric bill this summer!
#1 Make sure your home is well insulated.
If your home is not sealed up tight, you are just pumping cool air (and money) right out the window. One of the most important steps in making your home more energy efficient is checking for leaks. Feel around electrical sockets, light switches, doors, windows, and baseboards for leaks. If you feel air escaping, use caulking or foam to seal it up. Caulking and weather stripping are both simple and effective air-sealing techniques. The most comprehensive option is to hire a professional to check for any leaks throughout your house.
#2 Give your air conditioner a break.
Turn your AC off when you don’t need it. If you’re leaving the house or expecting a cool night, click off the thermostat. It will also help if you raise the temperature a few degrees. Programmable thermostats allow you to program what hours your home will be vacant and when you will be asleep. During those times, it will adjust the temperature accordingly, so you don’t have to worry about it.
#3 Clean your AC vents and units.
Maintaining your AC unit helps it run effectively and efficiently. The more dirt and grime, the harder it has to work. Cleaning and replacing the filters is one of the most important things you can do to help your AC unit. Dirty filters block the normal airflow and significantly reduce the system’s efficiency.
#4 Use your ceiling fans.
Using fans along with your air conditioning unit will actually help you consume less energy than you would by constantly adjusting the thermostat, as fans help keep air circulating. Keep the fans off in rooms that aren’t being used though. If left on, those fans would be wasting energy.
#5 Close your window coverings.
Natural light is a glorious thing in the summertime; however, letting in all of the light also brings in the heat. Those blinds and drapes aren’t just there for looks. Put them to use! Close your blinds and curtains to help reduce heat gain. If you live in a climate that has cooler days or cools down at night, take advantage of the fresh air and open up your windows when you can. The less work your air conditioner has to do, the better!
#6 Buy new and improved light bulbs.
Upgrade your light bulbs to a compact fluorescent bulb (CFL) or an LED. These energy-efficient bulbs have longer life spans than the old fluorescent bulbs and emit less heat energy – another way to keep your home cool and lower your electric bill in the summer!
#7 Fire up the grill instead of the oven.
There’s something about grilling burgers and hot dogs that makes it feel like summer! Not only does grilling bring great food, and often great company, but it will also help you lower your electric bill. How? The grill isn’t pulling energy like the oven would. Plus, all of the heat it’s producing is outside your home, not working against your air conditioning. The microwave and toaster oven are also good options to cook your food without consuming too much electrical energy.
#8 Maximize shade with greenery around your home.
Your landscaping can actually help lower your energy bills, along with boosting the curb appeal of your home. The less your home is exposed to direct sunlight, the easier it will be to keep it cool in the summer heat. Planting shrubs and trees around your home will do two things: provide shade and absorb some heat. Not only will this shade help cool the inside of your home, but it might also make it more enticing to spend some time outside in the yard.
Summertime doesn’t have to bring sky-high utility bills. Put a few of these energy-saving tips in place, and you should shave a little off of your electric bills for the remainder of the summer.
Save energy. Save money. And stay cool (and safe) out there!
Related Posts
-
Top 10 Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill This Summer
We have already had some HOT summer days in Southwest Missouri. If…