As temperatures rise, so does your electric bill. That’s because cooling your home accounts for most of your monthly energy use. The hotter it gets outside, the harder your air conditioning system has to work to keep your home comfortable.
CCEC members typically experience their highest bills during the summer months of July through September, as well as during the coldest parts of winter in January and February. When outdoor temperatures climb, even small adjustments around your home can make a noticeable difference in energy use and monthly costs.
In addition to monitoring your energy use online through PowerPay24, here are a few easy ways to help reduce energy consumption this summer:
- Install a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable or smart thermostat can help lower heating and cooling costs by automatically adjusting temperatures while you’re asleep or away from home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 10% annually by making thermostat adjustments for at least eight hours each day.
- Adjust Your Thermostat Setting: During the summer, setting your thermostat to 78 degrees can help improve efficiency. The larger the difference between the outdoor temperature and your thermostat setting, the more energy your heating and cooling system uses to keep your home comfortable. Even adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees can help reduce energy use and lower your monthly bill.
- Close Curtains and Blinds: Sunlight streaming through windows can quickly heat up your home. Keeping drapes, curtains, or blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day can help your air conditioner work less.
- Wrap Your Water Heater: Your water heater is your homes second-largest energy expense. Consider installing an insulated blanket, especially if your water heater is located in the crawl space or attic of your home.
- Make the Switch to LED Lighting: LED light bulbs use significantly less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Replacing frequently used bulbs with LEDs is a simple upgrade that can provide long-term savings.
Small changes throughout your home can add up over time. By taking a few simple steps to improve energy efficiency, CCEC members can stay comfortable this summer while helping manage energy costs.
For more energy-saving tips, click here.