Memorial Day and Independence Day, surf waves and heat waves. It’s time to get ready for summer!
After a long, cold winter which saw increase consumer energy spending, can now enjoy more hours of daylight and warmer temperatures.
But when outside temperatures go up, energy bills will to.
With Mother Nature is expected to show no mercy in the coming months, many families across the U.S. will predictably sweat it out financially via increasingly costly electric bills. That’s where energy saving tips and tricks can come in handy!
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasted that the average U.S. residential electricity customer will spend 4.9% more money this summer on energy bills. And the forecast for this summer already calls for hotter temperatures – likely requiring more days of air conditioning than last year. According to the EIA, expenses for utilities are the highest during the summer months when air conditioning boosts electricity demand.
For most American families increased energy costs are no small matter. However, the good news is that there are simple ways to trim your energy costs without agonizing through 90- or 100-degree days and nights without air conditioning.
So, as the temperatures rise, be sure to implement these easy fixes to prepare for that soon-to-come heatwave and avoid that jaw-dropping energy bill.
10 Smart Summer Energy Saving Tips List
- Avoid using the oven on hot days. Cook on the stove or use a microwave oven or grill outside.
- Keeping your refrigerator full stops warm air from entering when the door is open. The less space inside to cool the less the refrigerator has to work.
- Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away. Lower the thermostat setting when you are at home.
- Schedule regular maintenance for your cooling equipment and replace air filters frequently.
- Utilize ceiling and portable fans which can save about 25% and make the temperature seem 10 degrees cooler.
- Use appliances wisely. Turn off the dry cycle on your dishwasher, only use the warm or cold water setting on your washing machine, and don’t use your dryer. Line dry your cloths
- Install a whole house fan, which draws cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents
- Utilize window coverings and shades like patio coverings or awnings
- Turn down the water heater, which accounts for 14% to 25% of the energy consumed in your home.
- Shorten the operating time for your pool filter or sweeper and run it during off-peak hours.
These are just a handful of guidelines that can help you save money while keeping your family safe and comfortable during this summer.
