Summer is almost here! As much fun and excitement, the hot weather brings, it also comes with a price — the higher price of electricity, to be exact.Here are 7 effective tips and tricks for how to lower electric bill in the summerwhile enjoying the fun that the season has to offer.
The summer season always comes with a substantial surge in the electric bill. Believe it or not, an average household in the United States spends more than $400 on electricity during the summer.
But you don’t need to meltdown in the heat and make the whole family suffer to avoid jacking up your bill. Here are 7 effective tips and tricks that can help you save on your electric bill while enjoying the fun that summer has to offer.
Best Temperature to Set Thermostat in Summer
So are you wondering what is the best temperature is set your thermostat in the summer, how about 78? 78 degrees may sound too hot during summer months but you’d be surprised to know that it’s actually a very comfortable temperature even in the heat of the day.
The lower you keep your thermostat, the more you have to pay for electricity, right? So give 78 a try. A programmable thermostat will help you regulate the temperature in your home which leads to less use and less cost. A smart thermostat is also great for when you are on vacation, you can program the temperature to be higher while you are gone and return to 78 once you return home.
Close Windows, Blinds, and Doors During the Day
The sun can easily heat up any room in your home. Keeping the sun from shining into the house can help in cutting down your bill.
The blinds and window treatments in a room are not just to make the room look beautiful, they also help save energy in the hotter months. According to the Department of Energy keeping your doors, windows, blinds, and other window coverings closed can reduce heat gain by up to 77 percent. And consider replacing your window covers withenergy efficient blackout curtains.
Use Ceiling Fans
A great tool to use along with your air conditioner is a ceiling fan.Overhead fans aid in air circulation, which means that you can turn the thermostat up or even turn off the air conditioning.
Unplug Electronics When Not In Use To Save on Energy
Most of us waste power without realizing it. This is because we leave appliances plugged when not in use.
Make sure to turn off and unplug your appliances and other devices that can drain power even when they’re not on. If turning off your electronics one by one is a hassle, you can also consider using a Smart Power Strip which can automatically cut the power of your devices when you don’t need them.
Improve The Insulation In Your Home
The U.S. Department of Energy says that cooling and heat make up to 70 percent of the energy consumed in an average home. Improving your home’s insulation is an easy way to save electricity.
Reduce the flow of air leaking in and out of your house to maximize the functionality of your air conditioning. Two of the simplest and most cost-effective air sealing techniques are caulking and weatherstripping. Use caulk or a weather stripping to fill in any cracks and openings in the doors and windows.
Change The Air Conditioning Filter
A dirty air conditioning filter can restrict the air flow to your home. This means that it will work harder to pump cool air through your home, resulting in a higher electric bill. Plus, dirt and debris can obstruct the airflow.
Replace the dirty and clogged filter with a clean one during the summer months. This will reduce your energy consumption from 5 to 15 percent.
Take Advantage Of The Off-Peak Time Summer Utility Rates
To avoid peak usage times, plan your usage of dryers, washers, dishwashers, and other electronic devices, before 11 in the morning and after 7 at night.Anytime between 11 am and 7 pm could be likely to have higher rates depending on your state.
When the heat goes up during summer, don’t just let your electric bill go up, too and take your money. Help cut down the cost during the hot months and save money without sacrificing your family’s comfort.
So what tips will you be implementing this summer?
