One of the most common effects of hot summer conditions is a rise in energy usage across the board. Whether it’s due to more people using their AC units, fans or evaporative coolers to help cool their homes – the bottom line is when the temperature rises – so do monthly electric bills. The question that many people living in the Valley of the Sun ask is: How can we spend less on Summer Electric Bills without sacrificing comfort?
Thankfully, there are several simple answers to this commonly asked question. Here are a few tips for learning how to spend less on summer electric bills through some routine procedures.
#1: Have Your AC Unit Cleaned and Inspected
One of the biggest causes of increased energy bills for home owners are AC units that have to work too hard because they are dirty. This is why the best tip for learning how to spend less on your summer electric bills is to tune-up your AC unit to achieve maximum potential. This can be done simply by contacting a licensed and reliable AC repair and service expert. They can inspect and clean both the AC unit and the ductwork filtration inside the house. Another key element to a routine pre-summer inspection is to have the AC coils cleaned and serviced as well. This will eliminate most dirty air from filtering into the AC unit, which increases the air flow efficiency and reduces energy consumption.
#2: Use Your Major Appliances During Off Peak Hours
The energy folks are much like any other business – they tend to raise rates during peak hours. This is why a great way of saving money on summertime energy bills is to use your major appliances, such as laundry washer/dryer and dishwashers during non-peak hours. For the most part, you’ll need to check with your electric company to inquire about non-peak hours, but it’s usually best to start at 9pm and ends at 9am. However, it’s also a good idea to consider investing in Energy Star® rated appliances – as they tend to save between 10-20% on monthly energy bills across the board.
#3: Install Window Shades
If you can prevent the sun from entering your home the direct result tends to be an overall cooler house. Installing and using window shades, blinds or curtains is the best way to eliminate sunlight and warmth from entering your home during summer – and thus another simple way you can reduce your summer energy bills. It’s estimated that simply closing blinds during the day can reduce your home temperature by up to 10 degrees when the temperature outside is above 100. The cooler your house is during the day, the less hard your AC unit will have to work – and less energy is used during peak hours.
By following these simple three tips for how to spend less on your summer energy bills, you can save between 15-25% each month. And in times of economic uncertainty – those are savings that truly add up.