8 Ways of Cutting Down Your Electricity Bill This Summer

During the summer months, your utility bill can be higher than usual. You may use your air conditioner to keep cool, but you are also running the fan, appliances, and lights. The good news is that there are a few simple ways of reducing energy consumption to cut down on your electric bill this summer.

1. Install a Programmable Thermostat

Keeping your thermostat at 68 to 70 degrees can significantly raise your summer utility bill. You should set the thermostat to keep the temperature comfortable and turn it up or down based on how many people are in the house.

To save money on utilities, you can program the thermostat to switch the air conditioning on when you get home from work and then shut it off when you leave for work. Additionally, you can program the thermostat to adjust the heating and cooling settings throughout the day.

2. Upgrade Your Air Conditioner

If your air conditioning is more than 10 years old, it may be time to upgrade. Older air conditioners cannot keep up with the demand for cooling that your home has during the hot summer months. Modern technology provides energy-efficient air conditioning units with superior performance and efficiency levels. Since you will only need to run the unit for a few hours a day, you will save money in the long run by installing a new system that can do the job more efficiently.

3. Change Air Filters and Clean the Air Vents

You should have your air filters cleaned and checked during the spring, summer, and fall every year. The air filter keeps the air in your home clean by removing dust and dirt from the indoor air. Keeping the filters clean can reduce energy costs and help maintain the system’s peak performance. Air vents need to be cleaned regularly to remove debris that builds up over time.

4. Turn On the Ceiling Fans

You can often use ceiling fans to provide comfortable air when the air conditioner runs. Ceiling fans provide a simple, low-cost way to save money on your electricity bill and keep your home cool during the hot summer months in Whittier.

Turn on all the ceiling fans in your home and make sure they are positioned on the highest setting for the most airflow. Make sure to set the blades for the correct airflow direction. For the summer, the fan’s direction should be set counterclockwise to push air toward the floor.

5. Block Sunlight Using Blinds and Drapes

You can decrease the amount of sunlight that comes into your home during the day. Close your blinds and drapes on windows that face the sun. In addition to saving money, this will keep your home cooler during the day. Your air conditioner shouldn’t have to operate non-stop to maintain your desired temperature when you limit the sun’s rays from entering your home.

6. Check Your Home Insulation

A new home has a lot of insulation that keeps heat out during the summer months. Your home will lose efficiency over time, leading to higher utility bills. It would help if you had your home tested for insulation levels in the attic and crawl space and in the basement. Insulation installation can be as simple as buying a little spray foam to fill cracks or gaps around your windows and doors. This will help to keep the house cooler.

7. Keep the Kitchen Cool

The kitchen is one of the hottest and most expensive rooms. Most people use heavy cooking appliances that can cause a lot of strain on the air conditioner. You can save money by keeping the kitchen cool by not operating your stove as often. Instead of cooking on the stove, prepare cold sandwiches in the summer. You could also do more grilling outside and spend family time outdoors. By limiting the heat your stove produces

8. Upgrade the Light Bulbs

You can help save money on your utility bill by upgrading the light bulbs in your home. If they are inefficient, they can be turned off or dimmed. The best bulbs are halogen bulbs, which turn on instantly and produce more light than regular tungsten light bulbs. If you do not have good lighting in the darkest areas of your home, consider buying a light that produces a softer glow, such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).

Contact the Experts

The summer months are a wonderful time to unwind, but it is also a time for increased electrical bills. You can save money on your utility bill by implementing the tips above. At Premier Indoor Comfort Systems, we are committed to helping you lower your energy use, save money, and reduce your carbon footprint. We offer heating and cooling installation, repair, and maintenance services in Whittier. Contact us today for fast, friendly service.