Top 4 Tips to Lower Energy Bills This Summer

July 12, 2022

When saving money this summer, let’s take a holistic approach. Your lifestyle has a variety of high energy cost areas that can be improved with a few simple exchanges. Of course, some of these choices are easier, but all the tips here will have long-term benefits that more than reimburse you for the initial costs and mild initial inconveniences.

Conserve Electricity

Electricity use has the widest variety of energy and money-saving areas, but you can make a difference with these quick tips:  

  • Switch out lightbulbs for LED light bulbs. 
  • Put lights and other electronics on timers. 
  • Unplug and turn off the equipment you don’t use 

These energy-saving strategies are all low-budget ways to lower your energy bill.   

Initial costs will pay off over time in a variety of ways, including: 

  • Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. 
  • Utilizing solar panels. 
  • Investing in programmable thermostats and timers.  

Manage Heat

You may be thinking about cooling off more than you are thinking about the heat in the summer. However, heat is an important energy use that directly affects your wallet even during the summer. Easy ways to lower heat usage include turning down the temperature on your water heater and using your oven sparingly, which can lead to your air conditioning unit working harder. You can also get a thermal cover instead of a heater for your pool. If you take a multiple-week vacation, you might even want to check on having your gas line turned off until you get back.  

Higher effort long-term payoffs would include investing in tankless water heaters and ensuring you have the proper insulation to keep your home well-regulated.  

Monitor Your Home

Other steps you may not have thought of are using natural light instead of artificial light (when possible). Use blackout curtains and blinds to keep spaces cooler with a more relaxed vibe. Ensure that vents and airways are unobstructed with at least 18″ of clearance. Check around your home’s doors, windows, and other external exits to ensure that they are sealed well and not areas where you are losing your climate control dollars. Using cold water for laundry and dishes with cold-friendly detergents is a way to save water and energy costs. Drip hoses instead of sprinklers will also help keep money in the bank.  

Optimize Your AC

We all know the budget gets hit hardest here in Texas regarding climate control. Keeping your thermostat at 78° during the day and 80° to 85° when you’re away is an excellent way to keep costs down. While those don’t seem like preferred temperatures right away, these temperatures are recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy as they will keep you feeling cool when it’s hot out. Also, changing the filter in your AC unit will help it run more efficiently, which will help keep costs lower.   

It might even be time to upgrade to a new HVAC unit which could save you large sums of money in the long run. Norman Aire is currently offering FREE estimates on replacing Heating/Cooling systems! Contact them now to set up your appointment. 

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