As temperatures soar into the 90s and show no signs of cooling down, it’s important to find ways to save money on your electric bill.
Even if you haven’t touched your thermostat, the rising temperatures can lead to increased energy consumption and higher prices. Brad Kimbro, COO of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative, explains that when it’s hotter outside, your cooling unit has to work harder.
To help you keep some extra dollars in your pocket, Kimbro offers the following tips for reducing your summer electric bill:
- Adjust your thermostat to 78 degrees: Although it may be higher than your usual setting, 78 degrees is considered the most cost-efficient temperature during summer.
- Use a programmable thermostat: Opt for a programmable thermostat that allows you to raise the temperature when you’re away from home and lower it before you return, ensuring comfort without wasteful energy usage.
- Replace air filters every 30 days: Regularly changing air filters promotes smooth airflow and reduces buildup, optimizing your cooling system’s efficiency.
- Seal cracks around windows and doors: If you can see light coming through a crack, it means heat can enter too. Caulking these gaps helps prevent unwanted heat infiltration.
- Keep blinds closed and down: Closed blinds act as insulation, creating a barrier between the sun and your home, minimizing heat penetration.
- Plant trees strategically: Consider planting trees on the east and west sides of your home. They can act as a natural canopy during sunrise and sunset, providing shade and reducing the amount of heat entering your home.
- Remember, even a slight adjustment to your thermostat can make a difference in your power bill. Kimbro emphasizes, “Just one degree change in your thermostat setting can result in up to 2% savings on your utility bill during extreme heating or cooling months.”
- By implementing these energy-saving tips, you can beat the summer heat while also keeping your electric bill in check.
Original article can be read at wtvy.com
