The temperature may be rising, but that doesn’t mean your electric bill has to. Follow these tips to keep your cooling costs to a minimum this summer.
1. Turn up the thermostat.
Cooling can account for more than half of your electricity bill in the summer. The best thing you can do for your budget is turn up the thermostat. Experts recommend setting it at 78 degrees for optimal efficiency. However, if you can stand the heat, turn it up even more for extra savings.
2. Use your ceiling fan.
A ceiling fan, used at its highest speed, can make you feel up to 4 degrees cooler. That means you can turn up your thermostat without sacrificing your comfort. Because a ceiling fan uses far less energy than your air conditioner, you’ll find significant savings through this simple change. However, it’s important to note that ceiling fans can only cool people, not rooms. If you’re leaving the room, turn the ceiling fan off.
3. Seal air leaks.
Would you like for you electric bill to be 5 to 10 percent less? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, that’s what could happen if you seal the air leaks in your home. These pesky cracks and crevices allow your AC to escape and waste your energy dollars. Fortunately, the solution is an inexpensive and easy DIY project: Caulking. Grab a tube of caulk, which costs less than $5, and seal any leaks you may find. Don’t know where to start? Try this DIY energy audit.
4. Cook outside
Summer is the perfect time to break out the grill for a backyard barbecue because it keeps the heat out of your kitchen. Cooking your dinner in the oven can add unwanted heat to your home and make your air conditioner work harder than it needs to.
5. Use small appliances.
On the days you can’t grill outside, small kitchen appliances are a great alternative to an oven. They use less energy and produce less heat so your home stays cool and your electric bill low. Try using a microwave, toaster oven or slow cooker instead of the oven or stovetop.
6. Keep your curtains closed.
Even if you have energy-efficient windows, keeping your curtains open during the day might be costing you. The sun’s rays provide great light, but also cause unnecessary heat to enter your home. To save on cooling costs, keep direct sunlight out of your home as much as possible with curtains and blinds.
7. Go outside.
One of the best things you can do to save energy at home is to stay away from home. Take a trip to the beach, find a pool close by, spend an hour or two at the park, go see a movie or visit the local library. By staying out of your house, you can avoid using electricity—just be sure to turn your thermostat up before you go.