7 Tips to Lower Energy Bills This Summer

Summer is a time when everyone looks to save money on their energy bills. Here are 7 tips that can help you lower your energy consumption and save money this summer.

1. Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances when not in use. This includes turning off fans and air conditioners when you leave the house. Don’t use appliances during peak hours. Energy companies often charge more for electricity during peak hours, which are typically from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays. So if you can, avoid using appliances such as your dishwasher, dryer and oven during these times. You’ll not only lower your energy bills, but you’ll also help to ease demand on the power grid.

When it comes to lower energy bills, turning off unused lights and appliances is one of the simplest things you can do. By doing this, you can easily lower your energy consumption and save money.

2. Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature for your home based on when you are actually there. You will want to lower the temperature when you are away and raise it when you are home.

A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your energy bill by allowing you to set specific temperatures for different times of the day. For example, you can set the temperature to be lower when you are away from home or asleep. This can lower your energy consumption by a significant amount.

3. Make sure your windows and doors are properly sealed. Leaky windows and doors can cause your air conditioner or heater to work harder than necessary, resulting in higher energy bills. Sealing up your windows and doors can help you save money on your energy bill. The best way to do this is to use weather-stripping or caulk to seal any gaps around your windows and doors.

4. Use energy-efficient light bulbs. CFL or LED light bulbs use less energy than traditional incandescent light bulbs and last longer, meaning you’ll need to replace them less often. When selecting energy-efficient light bulbs, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. These types of light bulbs last for about 10,000 hours and use about 75% less energy than an incandescent bulb.

5. Take advantage of solar power. Solar roof panels can help lower your energy bills by generating electricity from the sun’s rays. Solar power is a clean, renewable source of energy that can help you save money on your monthly utility bills. There are many new innovations of solar panels that are more efficient and easier to install than ever before.

Installing solar panels can be expensive, but there are other ways to take advantage of solar power, such as installing solar window shades or using solar powered lights outdoors. Consider installing solar window film, which reflects sunlight and helps insulate windows, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

6. Maintain a cool temperature inside. Keeping a consistent cool temperature in the house will help lower the energy bill. It is important to close doors and windows to keep cool air inside the house. Use ceiling fans to circulate air and make the room feel cooler without having to lower the temperature on your air conditioner, and cook outdoors on the grill to keep heat out of the house.

7. Get a home energy audit. A home energy audit can help you identify ways to lower your energy consumption and save money on your energy bill. For example, an energy auditor may recommend insulation and air sealing improvements, which can help lower your heating and cooling costs. An audit will identify which improvements will be most effective for your home and provide you with a cost estimate for making the improvements.

With the rising cost of living in recent years, and many people wanting to save as much money as possible, it is essential to know how to lower your energy bills. Homeowners can lower their energy bills by educating themselves about energy efficiency. Learning about what makes your home energy efficient can help you make informed choices about products and services that can lower your energy consumption and save you money.

Contact Craig Plumbing, Heating & Electric to find out more ways to save energy in your home.