How to Keep Electricity Costs Down When the Heat Rises

For many, air conditioning is not an option during the warmer months.Photo byTim MossholderonUnsplash

Energy costs have most of us by the collar these days. With Summer months just around the corner, it is time to do some planning and make a few adjustments to help keep the costs of running the air conditioner down.

Here are a few ideas on how to do that.

Have Your HVAC System Serviced Before it Gets Too Hot

According to Today's Homeowner, one of the best things you can do to keep your A/C from breaking down during the sweltering months is to have it checked by a professional before it gets too hot. This should include at a minimum cleaning the system, changing the air filter, checking for leaks, and charging the unit with coolant, should it need it.

In the middle of the summer, it will be a lot harder to get an appointment to have the system serviced, and some repair companies may charge more to come out at that time. Finding problems beforehand will save time, money, patience, and sweating.

Raise the Thermostat by a Few Degrees

Family Handyman reports that adjusting your thermostat can save you money. Every degree you raise the thermostat can lead to significant cost savings. For example, if you're accustomed to a 75ºF internal atmosphere during the day or night, try 77ºF. It may take some adjustment, but you will appreciate the lower energy bill.

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

If you're not home during the day, there's no reason to keep the A/C unit running full blast just so that it will be cool when you get home. A smart thermostat offers a viable solution.

Digital Trends states that the ability of a smart thermostat to make automatic adjustments to your home's cooling and heating can save you money on your electrical bill. During the day, when the house is empty, the temperature can be a little warmer. By setting the thermostat to automatically lower, maybe an hour before you get home, it will be comfortable when you walk in the door.

The thermostat can be automatically set to rise a few degrees when the outside temps are cooler during the night.

Use Fans

A report put out by Lasko states that you should let air conditioning and fans work together to cool your home. Ceiling fans, box fans, and tower fans are a great way to circulate cooler air conditioned air. They create a wind chill effect that helps you feel cooler without lower the thermostat.

A blowing fan can be expecially comfortable during the night.

Use Light-Blocking Window Coverings

Consumer Reports says that you can lower your energy costs by blocking out the sun with window coverings. Keeping the sun out of rooms helps keep the heat out. Room darkening curtains or blinds are a good investment that can reduce your monthly electricity bill significantly.

Limit Stove and Oven Use

The US Deptartment of Energy offers tips on saving energy in the ktichen during the summer months. It's easier to keep the home cooler when you aren't pre-heating the oven or using the stove in the middle of the day. Take advantage of smaller appliances like microwave and toaster ovens, grill outdoors, and eat more meals that don't require cooking.

Dining on a cool salad or fresh raw veggies is easier on your pocketbook and your waistline.

Unplug Unused Electronics

Next Step Living published a report explaining how unplugging appliances and electronics saves electricity. Even when these devices aren't turned on, they still use up electricity when they are plugged in, even in stand-by mode. Take inventory of everything you keep plugged in all the time. Your microwave, your home computer, and kitchen countertop appliances have no reason to stay plugged in when you are not using them, other than convenience.

Operate Major Appliances During Off-Peak Hours

Energy Sage tells us that it is cheaper to use large appliances like washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers during the evening or off-peak hours. Some energy companies offer time-based rates to encourage usage during these times of day when demand is lower.

An example of off-peak hours might be 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on weekdays.

Sip Cool Water Throughout the Day

This is a simple solution that's easy to overlook. A glass of water helps you stay cooler and hydrated at the same time. Always having water at the ready is a good way to increase your daily fluid intake for better digestion, clearer skin, and a cooler body temperature.

You won't need to keep the thermostat so low when you are staying cooler by drinking cool water and following these tips that can save you money.