If you’re starting to feel the heat — and the pain that comes with higher electricity bills — then check out the following six tips for saving energy and lowering those utility bills.
1. Cook in the morning, when temperatures are cooler.
Summer is a great time to become an early riser. You’ll have more time to take care of tasks before temperatures climb to terrifying heights. Put cooking at the top of your to-do list so you won’t have to sweat it out mid-day in a sweltering kitchen.
2. Take a cold shower.
If you’ve been running errands all day, then you’re likely feeling at least 10 degrees hotter than everyone else. Rather than cranking up the A/C, take a quick cold shower to cool down. You could also lower the temperature setting on your water heater to keep humidity levels normal.
3. Use ceiling fans.
Another great way to reduce energy consumption is to turn on the ceiling fan. This way, you’ll only be cooling the room you’re in, rather than the entire house. Make sure you have a properly-sized ceiling fan to ensure maximum cooling.
4. Address air leaks.
All of your cost-effective methods of keeping the home cool during the summer will be pointless if you’ve got air leaks letting cool air escape and hot air invade. Check windows, doors, electrical outlets, baseboards, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, wall- or window-mounted air conditioners, cable TV and phone lines, and vents and fans.
5. Replace incandescent light bulbs with LEDs.
Did you know that incandescent light bulbs give off 90% of their energy as heat? Switch to LED lightbulbs and you’ll literally feel the difference.
6. Raise the temperature on the thermostat before leaving the home.
No need to cool the home while you’re away — the furniture is not at risk of heat stroke. Simply raise the temperature on the thermostat by a few degrees and you’ll see a lower electricity bill at the end of the month.