According to data from Statista, the price for residential electricity has grown steadily in the last decade and most notably in 2021. This is likely no shocker to homeowners throughout the country, especially during the summer when everyone is in need of air conditioning for long periods of time. Finding a nice balance between staying cool during summer and saving on the electricity bills can be a challenge. This is why our team has put together a list of tips to help.
Here are 7 tips on help you save on your electric bill in the summer:
- Give Your System a Tune-Up
Just like you need an annual checkup at the doctor’s office, your HVAC system needs a checkup too. Getting a tune-up twice a year (spring and fall) improves the life of your unit and protects your investment. These tune-ups can help prevent replacing the unit prematurely. Professional AC maintenance service keeps your unit running efficiently saving you money and energy.
- Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
We offer programmable thermostats, which make it very convenient to help you control when to cool or heat your home. There is no need to cool your home normally while you are away. A programmable thermostat can be adjusted to cut off when you are away and cut back on in time to cool your home again before you return home.
- Use Fans in Conjunction with Air Conditioning
A ceiling fan works wonders and can cut back on electricity by pushing air throughout your home. Angling your fan blades downward is the best way to circulate air during the summer. Placing box fans and oscillating fans throughout your home can also help keep cooling costs down.
- Open Your Windows – Especially at Night!
Letting some fresh air into your home helps maximize cross-ventilation. Letting cool air in at night can keep you from running your air conditioning through the night as well.
- Create Shade – Inside and Out!
What is the easiest way to avoid trapping excess heat? Block the heat straight from the source. Using shade to block the sun’s rays from entering your home or heating up your HVAC unit is a simple solution. Use window treatments inside to keep your home cool and save energy on your bill. Planting trees or bushes nearby to shade your air conditioning unit can raise the efficiency of the cooling system. Make sure to keep them two feet away from the unit though.
- Keep Your Roof a Light Color
Believe it or not, but the color of your roof does more than just add curb appeal. Having a lighter-colored roof helps reflect heat from the sun’s rays. Just like a black car or a black shirt, a darker roof will absorb heat, bringing it into your home. This causes your system to work harder to maintain the set temperature. Next time you are in the market for a new roof, consider a light color.
- Cook Outside
The warm temperatures are not the only reason grilling is so popular in the summer. Cooking outside can have an impact on your electric bill. Using the oven during peak times of the day can cause your system to work harder to cool your home. Using low-energy cooking appliances like a slow cooker or microwave are additional ways to keep the home cooler, minimizing the stress on your HVAC system.
If you need an air conditioner repair this summer, our team is standing by to help!