As the weather begins to warm up, there may be one thing on your mind: your energy bill. Warmer weather typically brings a greater demand for energy as people try to keep their homes cool. Unfortunately, that can lead to higher energy bills. We’ve listed a few great energy saving tips in this article.
Air conditioning and heating can account for more than 50 percent of the electric bill in Orlando! To keep cool during summer’s heat, set your air conditioning thermostat at 78 degrees. When you leave your house, turn it up a few notches to 85 degrees or higher and plan on a savings of 6-8 percent for each degree you raise the setting. Tell us what you do to keep those summer A/C bills low.
Energy Saving Tips
Cook outside
When the weather is beautiful, get outside and enjoy it. Cooking your meals on a grill outside could significantly reduce your energy bills. Grilling not only reduces the energy used for cooking, it also eliminates the need to turn on the oven, which can really heat up your home. You can save on cooling costs each time you forego the oven when preparing a meal.
Set your thermostat
Experts recommend setting your thermostat at 78 degrees during the summer months. This temperature is thought to be the optimal temperature for your air conditioners energy efficiency. Setting the thermostat even one degree lower could increase the energy spent on cooling costs by six percent.
Switch energy suppliers
If you live in an area that has deregulated energy, then you may have the opportunity to choose your own electricity supplier. The major benefit to you is in deregulated energy markets, many suppliers are competing for your business so it’s a buyer’s market. You can shop around for a rate that is lower than what you’re currently paying.
Keep window coverings closed
Even though the weather may be beautiful outside, it’s imperative to keep your windows, blinds and curtains tightly shut in the summer. If not, the warmth from the sun will heat up your home and cause your air conditioner to work harder to keep it cool.
Service your A/C
This is a biggy. Our Air conditioning unit is pretty old. Servicing your unit can save big. We had a tech come by and they cleaned the condenser unit inside the house. It was quite dirty. We saw huge savings. From changing air filters to periodic maintenance, it pays to keep your A/C tuned up.
Use your ceiling fan
A great way to keep cool in the summer is to use a ceiling fan, or consider installing one. Fans rotate the air in a room, creating a draft that can help keep you cool. In fact, a using a ceiling fan can allow you to raise your thermostat by four degrees without losing your level of comfort. It is important to note that fans can only cool people, not rooms. When you leave a room, make sure you turn off the fan to save energy.
Be outdoorsy
Summer brings about long, sunny days that are perfect for spending time outdoors. If you are looking for a way to keep cool, take a trip to the community pool or spend the day at the beach. Whenever you leave your home, be sure to turn your air conditioner up. There is no point in keeping your home comfortable when no one is there to enjoy it. Since heating and cooling account for the largest part of your energy bill, you can significantly cut back on costs by turning up the AC and going outside.
Change the lights
When you install energy efficient lighting in your home you can save money on your energy costs over time. But did you know energy efficient bulbs could also keep your home cooler? Only about 10 to 15 percent of the electricity used by light bulbs is used for light. The remaining energy is turned into heat.
Inspect your home
Look around your home for any areas that could possibly be letting air escape. Seal any holes or cracks around windows and doors to keep cool air in your home. If you have a window air conditioning unit use weather-stripping or foam insulation to get rid of air leaks.
For more information on saving energy, contact your local power company.
OUC, The Reliable One, Orlando Utilities Commission, has some great resources.
Click here for their Conservation Tips!