Hot Weather, Cool Savings

Master the Art of Summer Energy Efficiency and Lower Your Electric Bill

As summer temperatures soar, your energy use can climb right along with the thermostat. But beating the heat doesn’t have to mean busting your budget. With a few smart strategies, you can stay cool and save energy at the same time. Set Your Thermostat Smartly Keep your thermostat set at 78°F or higher when you’re home. It might feel warm at first, but every degree higher can lead to significant savings. Cranking the A/C too low forces your system to work overtime, which leads to higher bills—and more wear and tear on your unit.

Rethink Heat-Generating Appliances Your dryer, oven, and water heater all contribute to your home’s heat load. Try these tips to cut down on energy waste:

– Cook cool: Use the grill instead of the stove or oven on hot days.

– Shower efficiently: Take shorter showers and use your bathroom exhaust fan just long enough to reduce humidity.

– Dry smart: Avoid running the dryer during peak heat hours. Clean out the lint trap, use shorter cycles, or better yet—hang your clothes up to dry.

Keep Cool the Easy Way

Small changes can have a big impact when it comes to keeping your home comfortable:

– Switch to LEDs: They emit less heat and use less energy than traditional bulbs.

– Use appliances wisely: Run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine. – Block the sun: Close blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day.

– Seal the cool in: Make sure windows and doors are tightly closed.

– Use fans wisely: Fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you leave the room.

With just a little effort, you can turn up the comfort and turn down your electric bill. Stay cool out there, and remember: energy efficiency doesn’t take a vacation.