In the summertime, when temperatures are high and air-conditioning is a necessity, it can be stressful to worry about how to lower your electricity bill.
Fortunately, there are a few different ways that you can save on this essential utility.
1. Remove fangs from energy vampires
Today’s electronic devices, from computers to coffee makers, continue to use electricity even when they are turned off. How much can you save if you unplug them? Up to 20% of your electricity bill.
2. Install a programmable thermostat
If you can let the house get a little warmer when you are away and cool it when you return, you can save up to 20% on your heating and cooling bill, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. If you leave your pets at home during the day, do not allow the temperature to exceed 80° F. If your pet has long fur, the temperature should be somewhat lower. And keep lamps and televisions away from the thermostat.
3. Close the curtains during the day
About 76% of the sunlight your windows receive enters your home and generates heat, according to the US Department of Energy. A recent study found that 75% of curtains stay in the same position during the day. The same department says that medium-colored curtains with white plastic lining on the back can reduce thermal rise by up to 33%, so it closes the curtains when the sun hits the windows .
4. Use a ceiling fan if you have one
The Department of Energy says that if you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to turn the thermostat up about 4° F (at least in rooms where there is a fan) during the summer. Fans with the Energy Star label move air 20% more efficiently than those without the label. In the summer you should set your ceiling fans to spin counterclockwise.
5. Clean the air conditioner that is outdoors
The coils in the air conditioner outside get dirty and that reduces their efficiency. He spends the money necessary to remove insects and grass debris from the coils, and performs maintenance and service on the unit every year. It will last longer and keep you cooler with less expense.
6. Reduce the temperature in the hot water tank
Hot water is great, but it accounts for around 18% of energy use. The water should not be heated above 120 ° F to avoid burns. If you have the water at a higher temperature, lower it. Plus, you probably don’t want a full steam hot shower in the middle of July.
7. Plant trees
For something it is cooler in the shade. Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west sides of your home, or near the air conditioning unit, to increase the efficiency of your cooling systems by 10%, according to the Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships.
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8. Get out of the house
Specifically, get out there and use the grill . The kitchen oven can increase the temperature by 5 or 10° F. But don’t leave the door open when you’re cooking outside. You don’t want to air condition the entire neighborhood.
9. Ask for discounts
Your electric company may offer discounts to people with low incomes or with disabilities. It can also offer incentives for you to reduce your energy use on summer days when demand is highest (usually between 12 noon and 8 pm). Florida Power & Light, for example, offers a rate that depends on the time of day you use electricity and is more expensive during peak hours and the price drops outside of those hours. This encourages customers to use less electricity at peak times.
10. Use large appliances wisely
Fill the washing machine for each wash and use cold water whenever you can. Run the dishwasher only when it is full and use the air dry cycle instead of heat drying. If you have an electric oven and can’t use a grill, use the microwave. And don’t forget to clean the lint filter on your clothes dryer. A tumble dryer can lose 75% of its efficiency if the filter is full of lint. Clean it after each use and save up to $ 288 a year in the annual cost of operating a dryer.
