Don’t let warmer weather turn into “summertime blues” when your monthly electric bill arrives. Use these low cost energy tips from Piedmont Electric to help keep your energy use and your bill low during these warm summer months.
Adjust the thermostat.
During warmer months, raising the thermostat by a few degrees can go a long way in helping you save money. Setting the temperature between 78–80° F could save you up to 8 percent on monthly cooling bills. Install a programmable thermostat to help you easily regulate your home’s temperature year round. Programmable thermostats can help you save money by letting you raise the temperature in your home a few degrees while you’re away.
Become a “fan” of ceiling fans.
While they don’t replace air conditioners, fans move air and help you feel more comfortable. Turning on a fan while also turning up your thermostat a few degrees can keep you cool while also saving energy and money. However, remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so they should be turned off when you leave the room.
Clear the air.
A dirty air filter makes your cooling system work harder to keep you cool, which wastes energy. Changing your air filter regularly helps to ensure efficient operation, keeping your electricity bill in check and reducing the need for costly maintenance over time. In many cases, it takes only a few minutes to replace your existing filter with a new one.
Keep the heat out of the kitchen.
Avoid using the oven whenever possible to help reduce the load on your air conditioner. Summer is the perfect opportunity to cook outdoors on a grill and keep excess heat out of the house. When you decide to make a meal indoors, choose a toaster oven or slow cooker to get the job done with less energy than a conventional stovetop or oven.
Think ahead.
Piedmont Electric offers a free home energy analysis to all of our members. An experienced energy specialist performs the audit and makes suggestions for home comfort improvements. If there are repairs that need to be done, consider making them sooner rather than later so that you can enjoy the energy savings as soon as possible.