How to stay energy efficient while keeping cool

BECKLEY, WV (WVNS) — As temperatures begin to heat up, more people will be kicking on their air conditioners to keep cool.

We gathered some tips on how to stay energy efficient while keeping cool.

Most things in our homes run on electricity and aside from when we get our bills, we do not really think about it too often.

But when we do get those bills, it is like getting a shock to the system when you see the numbers after that dollar sign.

According to Appalachian Power, the average residential electric bill for a West Virginian is between $169 to nearly $320 per month.

David Simmons, Assistant Manager at State Electric Supply, said simple solutions can cut down on that number.

“You know, your LED light bulbs are way more efficient than the old incandescent or the compact fluorescent bulbs. They have a better rated average life hour and they save you on electric consumption,” said Simmons.

Simmons said LED bulbs often last up to 30-thousand hours longer than an incandescent bulb.

LED bulbs come in a variety of tones and can be used either indoors or out.

He also said another way to maximize your energy efficiency is by looking up.

“But insulation in your attic is a huge thing not to be overlooked. But it is a typical thing you can do in your existing home that can help with your insulation, and it works for your air conditioning as well as your heating to help you save on your energy bills and keep down your usage,” said Simmons.

Simmons said unfortunately the only way to get the most efficient air conditioner is to replace your current one with a newer model.

One more thing that is often overlooked in the home is a major one, according to Simmons.

“Your basic water heater is a large power consumption item in a home and it’s constantly heating and cooling and heating and cooling. A lot of people have put a water heater on a timing device,” said Simmons. “And you can set it up over the night hours when you’re asleep, hours when you’re away at work. You can have that water heater turned off and not consuming any power at all.”

Even though the air conditioner can be a drain on your electricity consumption, there are ways you can mitigate the cost and keep that bill low.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.