Tips for Staying Cool and Keeping Your Electric Bill Low
While summertime is a long-awaited and fun-filled time of year for students and families alike, it’s not all beach days and barbecues. For many households, facing the summer months means struggling to keep the home interior at a livable temperature without racking up a pricey electric bill. Leverage these five helpful tips to stay comfortable while keeping your electric bill low.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Air conditioning is one of the most significant energy uses in the summer months. Running the air conditioner all day to keep a home at 70 degrees quickly adds up to costly bills. At the same time, no one wants to forego the air conditioning entirely and end up sweating in their own home.
As a middle ground, set your thermostat for the highest temperature you’re comfortable with. For some families, this may be 78 degrees; for others, it may be 72. Keep in mind that each degree will save you about three percent in costs.
Anytime you spend the day away from your home or go on a trip, turn the thermostat up. Your plants and pets will still be comfortable at around 80 degrees, and there’s no need to keep blasting the air conditioning when you aren’t home.
Unplug Devices
Unplugging unused devices and switching off lights when a room isn't in use can help cut back your electricity costs. Some families even install monitors to track electricity use.
If you notice anything odd about your home's outlets or electricity use, call a team of electrical professionals to troubleshoot and perform repairs. The best way to ensure you are not wasting electricity due to faulty wiring is to call in Custom Electrical Services for maintenance.
You can also time the use of your electronics to coincide with lower-cost times of day, like the evenings or early mornings. This will create savings on your electricity bill and prevent added heat from being generated within your home by appliances like dryers during the hottest times of the day.
Install Ceiling Fans
Installing ceiling fans is another strategy for cutting back on air conditioning while still staying comfortable. These ensure plenty of air circulation to keep you cool without blasting constant air conditioning throughout the home. Ceiling fans help stretch the effectiveness of your air conditioning without overloading your electricity bill. Work with a licensed and insured team of electricians like Custom Electrical Services to install ceiling fans throughout your home.
Use Windows Wisely
Insulation plays an essential role in climate control for any home. Ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed during the daytime heat, and close curtains to block the sunlight on the hottest days. You may need to hire professionals or apply more insulation around windows if you notice cracks where the air conditioning is escaping. If the evenings where you live bring cooler temperatures, consider cracking a few windows to let the cool breezes inside.
Choose Smart Appliances
Leveraging smart appliances can help you establish an energy-saving routine for your home's cooling and other functions. For example, working with a qualified electrician like Custom Electrical Services to install a smart thermostat, timed fans, and programmable, energy-efficient appliances throughout your home can help you streamline your everyday life while saving energy. Even small changes like switching to LED light bulbs can greatly impact your electricity use over time.
Regardless of the strategies you choose for conserving electricity while staying cool, Custom Electrical Services is here to help. Our experienced team of licensed and insured electricians is dedicated to providing high-quality service for all your maintenance, repair and installation needs. Schedule an appointment today!
