Reducing your energy usage is the best way to lower those expensive summer electricity bills. Here are a few tips on how to do it.
Schedule regular HVAC maintenance
Regular HVAC system maintenance ensures efficiency and reduces energy consumption. If your AC unit is blocked or inefficient, it must work harder to maintain indoor temperatures, resulting in higher energy consumption and expensive bills. Maintain your AC unit by regularly replacing air filters, checking for leaks, and hiring a professional for repairs when needed. Our Choose Energy experts recommend scheduling maintenance in spring and fall, before extreme temperatures hit, to ensure your HVAC system is working at peak efficiency.
Adjust your thermostat
You can save 10% yearly on heating and cooling costs for your home by adjusting your thermostat based on the outdoor temperature. The closer your thermostat is to the outdoor temperature, the more you save.
When you’re away from home for the work day or for long periods like a vacation, adjust your indoor temperature to be warmer and readjust it when you get home.
Most smart thermostats also include a mobile app to control your home’s temperature remotely, making it easy to set a temperature before you get home and ensuring a comfortable temperature when you arrive. If you don’t have a smart thermostat, other thermostats allow you to set a schedule so you don’t have to manually adjust the temperature.
Switch to LED lightbulbs
Switching to LED lighting can help you lower energy consumption and save money on energy bills. LED lightbulbs consume about 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional lightbulbs, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). They also generate 90% less heat than incandescent bulbs, so your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.
Use fans for cooling your home
While fans don’t generate cool air on their own, they’re a great way to circulate cool air without overburdening your air conditioner. Consider positioning fans near windows to circulate fresh air and provide a cooling effect. Most ceiling fans can also be adjusted to spin counterclockwise during the summer, which pushes cool air down. Using fans in this way can allow you to raise your thermostat by a few degrees and save money on your monthly bill.
Choose your electricity plan
If you live in a deregulated energy market, you can choose your energy provider and electricity plan. You may be able to secure a lower fixed rate by shopping for electricity during mild seasons, like spring and fall. For the cheapest energy plan in your area, enter your ZIP code on Choose Energy and sort your options for your household’s needs and compare the most up-to-date electricity rates in your area.