UNDERSTANDING YOUR SUMMER ELECTRIC BILL

As temperatures begin to rise across eastern North Carolina, many members may notice an increase in their electric bill during the summer months. Often, homeowners wonder if something has changed with their electric use, but in many cases, the answer is simple—your heating and cooling system is working harder to keep your home comfortable.

For most homes, the heat pump or air conditioning system is the largest energy user in the house. During periods of extreme heat and humidity, your system has to run longer and more often to maintain the temperature set on your thermostat. Even if you are using your appliances and electronics the exact same way you did a month ago, warmer outdoor temperatures alone can lead to higher energy use.

Think of it this way: when it is 95 degrees outside, your cooli ng system has to work much harder to keep your home at 72 degrees than it would on a mild 75-degree day. The longer your system runs, the more electricity it uses.

Humidity also plays a major role in eastern North Carolina summers. Your heat pump is not only cooling the air—it is also removing moisture from your home. On especially humid days, your system may run longer to keep indoor air comfortable.

There are several small steps members can take to help manage summer energy use:

1. Raise your thermostat a few degrees when away from home

2. Keep air filters clean and changed regularly

3. Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day

4. Avoid placing heat-generating appliances near your thermostat

5. Make sure outdoor HVAC units are free from grass, weeds, and debris

One of the best tools available to members is the ability to monitor daily electric usage through the JOEMC member portal or mobile app. Tracking your usage daily can help you better understand how weather impacts your energy consumption and allows you to spot unusual changes quickly.

By reviewing your daily usage, you may notice spikes during extremely hot days or periods when your air conditioner runs more frequently. This information can help members make adjustments and avoid surprises when the monthly bill arrives.

At Jones-Onslow EMC, we are committed to helping our members better understand their energy use and providing tools that make managing electric bills easier. Summer temperatures may be out of our control, but staying informed about your daily energy use can help you make smart decisions for your home and family.

Members can access their account information, monitor daily usage, and manage their account anytime through the JOEMC member portal or mobile app.