Some of the hottest cities in the U.S. face a constant issue – spending too much on electricity in the summer.
We can’t blame them, however, because we all have the right to be comfortable at home! The hot, hot temperatures can make life unbearable if you’re not spending money on air conditioning, but it can come at a high cost.
Do you live in a desert climate? Do you think you spend too much on cooling your home?
If you’re worried about the upcoming summer electric bill being too high, keep reading to find out 6 tips for keeping it low.
1. Buy a Smart Thermostat
One of the best investments you can make if you want to save money on your electricity bill is buying a smart thermostat.
With this device, you can easily set your home to be warmer when you’re not home and cool it down when you get home. You will also be able to adjust the schedule based on your habits because the device will learn your preferences and patterns for daily life.
There are some electricity plans that offer free smart thermostats, so this might be something to look into if you’re not sure about the investment.
It’s a good idea to raise your home temperature by even a couple of degrees when you’re not home, especially during the summer months. This will decrease the average summer electric bill, and if you can tolerate it, temperatures as high as 78 in the home will save you the big bucks.
2. Consider Changing Your Plan
Have you thought about switching to a new electricity plan? If you’ve been on the same plan for a while, you may want to shop around to find a new provider. This is quite easy to do in Pennsylvania, where you can compare electricity rates to find the best deals and switch providers.
If you’re paying a high summer electric bill, you may want to consider switching to a company like Vault Electricity if you live in Texas. Research the different providers in your area to find out which one is able to save you the most money.
You could find that some companies offer lower rates, some may have bonuses or rebates, and some might be willing to give you a better payment plan.
3. Maintain Your Air Conditioning Unit
If you haven’t thought much about the maintenance of your air conditioner, you’re making a mistake. Air conditioning can be one of the biggest contributors to your electric bill, especially if you have a central air conditioning system. Since you’re running your air conditioner most often in the summer, this can be a big problem.
To learn how to lower your electric bill in summer, you must first learn how efficiently your air conditioner is running. Change your filter as often as needed to make sure the airflow is good.
You will also want to make sure that the outside condenser doesn’t have debris like leaves or grass on it.
Also, be sure to have a regular tune-up from a reputable company to make sure that your system has the right liquid levels and is operating at its best.
4. Use Your Ceiling Fans
If your home is warm, but not hot, you may want to avoid using the air conditioner altogether to save some money. Instead, use your ceiling fans!
Not only do they cost less, but they can also help with air circulation. In the summer months, you’ll want them to rotate counterclockwise for the best circulation of the air within any room.
Remember that the fans are good at cooling down people or animals by moving the air around, but they don’t actually lower the temperature like an air conditioner would. As a result, you should turn them off when you leave the room to be sure they aren’t wasting any energy.
5. Upgrade With the Energy Star Symbol
If you’re already planning to replace big appliances in your home, like your refrigerator, your television, or your washing machine, you always want to shop with the Energy Star symbol in mind.
The Energy Star program is perfect for people that want to save money and save energy because it only certifies products that meet the government’s strict energy regulations. Many products that were produced before this program came into effect are not energy-efficient and may be costing you a lot more than you think.
The types of products you can find that can be Energy Star certified include (but are not limited to):
• Clothes dryers
• Water heaters
• Furnaces
• Smart thermostats
• Dishwashers
• Computers
Anytime you’re considering upgrading an appliance in your home with electrical components, consider checking if there are Energy Star certifications for that type of product.
6. Close Your Blinds and Doors
A simple habit you can change is closing your drapes, blinds, and doors in the sunnier rooms of your home on hot days. If you don’t have any awnings, you may want to add them as well.
Think about how it feels when you’re outside. You’re going to be warmer if you’re in the sunshine than if you’re in the shade. Creating more shady areas within the home or blocking the sun will lower the temperature in your home.
Another idea is to plant some trees around your home. These can provide shade and may even improve curb appeal.
Keep draperies and blinds closed on the sunny side of the house. Adding awnings can help, too. Looking for a longer-term solution that will add to the beauty of your property? Plant trees. “This Old House” recommends particular trees for fast-growing (1½ to 2 feet per year) shade options.
Lower Your Summer Electric Bill This Year
Do electricity rates go up in the summer? They can if you don’t follow these tips.
Don’t waste your money on the summer electric bill when you don’t have to! Start preparing for the summer heat now.
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