Beat the Heat: How to Save Money on Your Summer Energy Bill
As the summer months approach, many of us are bracing ourselves for the inevitable increase in our energy bills. But what if you could save money on your energy bill without sacrificing your comfort? According to new energy projections, the average household can expect to pay around $719 more to cool their home this summer. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your energy costs down without breaking a sweat.
Adjust Your Thermostat
One of the easiest ways to save money on your energy bill is to adjust your thermostat. By turning it up just seven to ten degrees for eight hours a day, you can save as much as 10% on your heating and cooling costs. Of course, this might mean having a conversation with your family about what temperature is comfortable for everyone. But with the right approach, you can find a happy medium that works for everyone.
Using a ceiling fan can make your home feel up to five degrees cooler.
Use Fans to Your Advantage
If you do decide to turn up the thermostat, using a ceiling fan or box fan can make up the difference. Running one of these fans can actually make the room feel as much as four or five degrees cooler. Plus, they’re a cost-effective way to keep your home cool without breaking the bank.
Invest in a Smart Thermostat
Another way to save money on your energy bill is to invest in a smart or programmable thermostat. These devices make it easy to set a money-saving energy-conserving schedule, and some can even learn your day-to-day cooling preferences and adjust accordingly. For example, the Google Nest Smart Learning Thermostat can learn your schedule and adjust the temperature to save you money.
A smart thermostat can learn your schedule and adjust the temperature to save you money.
Seal Up Your Home
In addition to adjusting your thermostat and using fans, there are a few other ways to keep your home cool without breaking the bank. For example, you can repair any leaky AC ductwork and fill in holes and cracks around your windows and doors. This will help keep the cool air in and the hot air out. You can also insulate around your window air conditioners to keep warm air from entering and cool air from escaping.
Insulating around your window air conditioner can help keep warm air out and cool air in.
Don’t Sacrifice Safety
While it’s important to save money on your energy bill, it’s also important not to sacrifice safety. Heat-related deaths and illnesses can happen quickly and often, so it’s essential to take precautions to stay cool. At the very least, consider investing in a window air conditioner for your bedroom.
Heat stroke can happen quickly, so it’s essential to take precautions to stay cool.
Get Help If You Need It
Finally, if you’re struggling to pay your energy bill, there are resources available to help. Many energy assistance programs can help offset higher utility bills, so be sure to do some research and see what’s available in your area.
By following these simple tips, you can save money on your energy bill without sacrificing your comfort. So why not give them a try and see how much you can save this summer?
