#1 How to Save Money on Electric Bills: Use Your Thermostat Efficiently
After a long day out in the sun, it feels amazing to blast the A/C. While doing so will make you more comfortable, this could make your utility bills skyrocket.
You can reduce your energy usage and electric bill by setting your thermostat as high as comfortably possible during the summer months. The ideal thermostat temperature is 78 degrees when people are at home, and 85 degrees when you are away.
If you’re one of those people who needs the A/C temperature to be set to Sub 70 degrees, this could take some getting used to. We’re speaking from experience!
I Have an Infant. What is the Best Temperature to Set My Thermostat?
If you have an infant at home, thermostat settings are a bit different.Setting the ideal temperature for your infant may take some trial and error. It’ll depend on your baby’s mood, health, age, and a few other factors. However, it’s recommended your room temperature does not go below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, nor above 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
#2 Make Use of Your Fans
A great way to save money on electricity is by using fans instead of blasting your air conditioner.
Ceiling fans are a great and easy way to circulate cool air around your home. You can also use portable or floor fans to cool down your home. Having a few of these around the home is a great way to lessen how much you rely on your air conditioning system.
If you don’t have a ceiling fan in a particular room in your home, give our electricians a call. We will answer all of your questions on ceiling fan installation. We can install a ceiling fan in any room you’d like.
#3 Clean or Replace Air Conditioning Filters
Changing your air filters is a must. Don’t’ slack on this one.
According to the Department of Energy, replacing dirty air filters can reduce your energy consumption by as much as 15%.
Ideally, you should change your home’s air filters at least once every 3 months. A dirty air filter can make your air conditioning unit work harder.
If you notice the air filter is getting dirty, make sure you replace it as soon as possible. This will help decrease your electric bill tremendously. You should also read our article on ways to optimize your HVAC system for summer.
#4 Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
Energy-efficient light bulbs use less energy and also produce 75% less heat than regular light bulbs, so you will save money on electricity!
Contrary to traditional incandescent light bulbs, energy-efficient light bulbs last 3- 25 times longer.
Furthermore, you can get creative with your lighting. Today’s energy-efficient bulbs are available in a variety of colors and brightness levels.
When you’re not in a particular room, make sure you flick those switches off. You hear that, kids?!
During the day, try leaving the lights off and using the natural sunlight to keep your home bright. In the summertime, we average 12 or more hours of sunlight. Take advantage of that.
Just turning off your lights when you’re not in a particular room can have a significant impact when it comes to lowering your energy bill.
#5 Take Your Cooking Outside
It’s been a long day at work, and now you’re dripping sweat cooking dinner in a hot kitchen. Not fun.
Trying to cook inside during the summer heat can be unbearable.
Counter this by using an outdoor grill as much as possible. The indoor stove or oven can raise the temperature of your kitchen to 10 degrees.
If cooking on an outdoor grill isn’t an option, use a microwave oven, when possible, to help keep the temperature inside your home in check. Any pressure you can take off yourself to use your stove or oven less save money on electricity.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a visit from one of our electricians, give us a call today at (484) 200-5844
