8 Ways to Save Money on Electricity This Summer

Summer is here, well right around the corner. However, the warm weather we’ve been anticipating all year has coincided with significant increases in our utility expenditures. The average home spent $405 on power during the summer of 2015, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Cooling down your home, on the other hand, does not have to result in an increase in your energy cost. There are a few simple methods and suggestions that will help you save money on your electric bill while also helping to save the environment.

About half of the home’s energy budget is spent on heating and cooling. Finding the most cost-effective way to ventilate your home will save you money and help you save energy.

Turn off your air conditioner when not needed

Turning your air conditioner off while you sleep can save you a lot of money. If no one is home, even lowering the temperature before leaving the house can save money. The temperature should be kept between 78 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. When the thermostat is increased by one degree, cooling expenses can be reduced by 4% to 8%.

Programmable thermostat

A programmable thermostat is a great way to save electricity. It allows you to schedule when your house will be empty and when you will be sleeping. It will alter the temperature of your home properly during such times. This eliminates the inconvenience of frequently regulating your thermostat as well as the fear of returning home to a hot house. The Nest costs $250, but the company promises that it can save you up to 20% on your electricity bills.

ENERGY STAR appliances

The ENERGY STAR is an award granted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to a product that fulfills the government’s strict energy-efficiency requirements in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A room air conditioner that is ENERGY STAR certified uses around 15% less energy than non-qualified ones. Over the unit’s lifespan, the 15% may save you roughly $85 in savings. Visit energystar.gov for additional information.

Check for home insulation

When air from the outside enters and conditioned air departs your home through gaps and openings, you have air leakage. Although you may not realize it, this makes ventilating your home more difficult and expensive. Reducing the amount of air that leaks in and out of your home is a cost-effective strategy to lower your cooling costs while also increasing the efficiency of your air conditioning system. Caulking and weather-stripping are two of the most basic and effective air-sealing treatments that pay off quickly. Weather-stripping is used to seal operational components such as doors and operable windows, while caulk is used to cover crevices and openings between stationary and foundational home components, such as around door and window frames.

Clean your air vents and units

In order for an air conditioning unit to function efficiently, its filters, coils, and fins must be maintained regularly. Simply put: a clean air conditioner is an effective one. The most crucial piece of maintenance that will ensure the maximization of your air conditioner is routinely replacing or cleaning its filters. Clogged and dirty filters block normal airflow and reduce a system’s efficiency significantly. Dirt and debris in the unit will obstruct airflow and possibly impair the evaporator. Replacing a dirty, clogged filter with a clean one can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5% to 15%.

Turn your ceiling fan on

A ceiling fan can be used in conjunction with your air conditioner. A ceiling fan will chill the room by about 4 degrees, allowing you to reduce the temperature on the thermostat. If the weather permits, you can even go without air conditioning and only use a fan.

Use natural ventilation whenever possible

Take advantage of cool nights or regular breezes if you live in a climate with them. When it gets cool outdoors, open the windows to completely eliminate the need of electricity.

Use shades and drapes to block the sun

Window treatments and coverings can help you save money on energy while also adding style to your home. A few well-chosen window treatments can save your home from overheating in the summer sun. Window treatments come in two varieties: blinds and curtains. Blinds can limit heat gain by up to 45 percent when fully pulled down and closed over a window with a lot of sun exposure. You can also prevent heat gain by closing drapes on windows that receive direct sunshine throughout the summer. Drapes can block up to 33% of heat gain.

Don’t let a hefty electricity bill mar your vacation. Start saving money and the environment by following these simple steps!