If you dread the moment of opening your electricity bill, you’ll appreciate the insightful tips we’re about to share on how to actually reduce your energy expenses during the summer, straight from a local electrician.
While you may not have control over increasing utility rates, there are effective ways to save money by:
- Identifying and sealing air leaks in your home. A significant portion of your home’s air escapes through walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as duct leaks. You can easily find these leaks by using a long-armed lighter near suspected areas. If the flame flickers towards you, it indicates a leak that should be sealed with caulk or weatherstripping. If tackling duct leaks seems daunting, seek assistance from a professional service like The Hignell Companies, which offers expertise in both electrical and HVAC systems.
- Ensuring your home is adequately insulated. Utilize the insulation guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Energy to determine the appropriate insulation levels for areas like your attic and crawlspace.
- Adjusting your thermostat settings upwards. Gradually acclimate your family to higher temperatures before the peak of summer hits. For each degree you raise your thermostat, you can save between 2 and 5 percent on your energy bill, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Consider setting the thermostat higher during nighttime, daytime, and when the house is unoccupied for extended periods.
- Installing ceiling fans to complement your air conditioning system. Ceiling fans set to rotate counterclockwise create a wind chill effect, making rooms feel up to 5 degrees cooler. While ceiling fans don’t actually change room temperature, they allow you to increase the thermostat setting while maintaining comfort. If installation seems daunting, seek assistance from a local electrician.
- Utilizing a programmable thermostat to pre-set temperature adjustments throughout the week. This helps avoid unnecessary energy consumption when no one is home to enjoy the cool air. By raising the thermostat by seven to 10 degrees for eight hours a day, you could save up to 10 percent on your energy bill, as suggested by the U.S. Department of Energy.
- Regularly checking and replacing your air conditioner filter to ensure efficient operation. Additionally, schedule annual maintenance to keep your AC unit running smoothly, reducing the need for excessive energy consumption.