The dog days of summer can really turn up the heat on your electricity and power bills. The summer months can even test the best air conditioning systems. Here are some tips to keep your utility bills down this summer:
1. 1. An air conditioner set at 70 degrees can cost twice as much to operate as one set at 78 degrees. So save a bit of money and raise the thermostat by two degrees above its normal setting. You can still be cool and comfortable inside your home and your bank account will be thankful.
2. 2. Set the thermostat to 80 degrees when you’ll be out of the house for several hours and lower it when you return. Do not shut the air conditioner off; it’s less efficient to cool the house back down than to leave it set at a higher temperature.
3. A ceiling fan uses about as much energy as a 100-watt bulb, but it also has the potential to make a room feel up to eight degrees cooler. In summer, run your ceiling fan counterclockwise; the motion pushes air downward to create a cool breeze.
4. Did you know that keeping your windows closed and curtains drawn during the day can reduce cooling costs by 30%? Try doing so and feel the difference of cooler climates within your home.
5. Turn off and unplug lights, computers and televisions when they are not in use because all generate heat.
6. Make sure that you get your air conditioner serviced before you need to turn it on. That way you avoid the rush in service calls made to air-conditioning repair companies on the first hot day of the year.
7. Clean or replace the air filter monthly. Clogged, dirty filters block air flow and make a unit work much harder. A clean filter can save you up to 10% on your bill.
8. Cold water washing is great and saves you money in the summer months. Perhaps save the hot water load for bed linens, towels and undergarments. Cold water washing can help to cut costs.
Watch the video below for additional tips on how to save money on your power bill during the summer months:
Save Money Mondays: Ways To Save On Your Summer Electricity Bill was originally published on news92fm.com
