Keep Your Cool: 7 Steps to Save Money During Summer

By Tina Casarotto on August 15, 2018

Temperatures are soaring as we enter the height of summer. For many, the shock of a huge power bill at the end of the month can put a serious dent in your budget. How can you keep your home cool and save money during summer? Follow these simple steps to reduce your power bill.

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1. Turn Up Your Thermostat

Sure, you’ve heard this one before, but the reason you’ve heard it before is that it works! Raising your thermostat to 75 degrees instead of keeping it at 70 can save you an estimated $13 a month.

2. Leave Your AC On

If you’re going to be gone all day leave your AC running. Turning it off and then on again when you return will cause a build-up of heat inside your home. When you turn your AC on again it will cause the unit to work harder and longer than normal.

3. Change your filter

A dirty air filter for your AC is like you trying to breathe through a pillow. Your AC unit will struggle to draw in air to your home. It’s suggested that you change your filter every 3 months. A new filter costs far less than a service call from your local HVAC company.

4. Close Your Curtains

If you’ve ever been inside a greenhouse then you know how hot the sun can be. Don’t let your home become a greenhouse. Close your blinds and drapes to keep out the heat.

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5. Open a Window

Turn off your AC at night. Outside temperature can drop up to 20 degrees so opening your windows, especially on upper stories can save electricity. Worried about crime? Simple screw-on window locks are inexpensive and prevent your windows from being opened far enough for a person to get through. You can find them at your local hardware store or online.

6. Fans! Fans! Fans!

Strategic positioning of fans can help to circulate air. By putting a fan in front of an AC unit vent you can help push the cool air further. Also, running a fan in front of an open window at night will pull the cooler night air into your home.

7. Let Your Light Shine

Old incandescent bulbs can throw off quite a bit of heat and have been proven to be energy inefficient. Newer energy efficient bulbs run much cooler and use less electricity. While bulbs like fluorescents and LEDs cost more than incandescent, the long-term savings outweigh the initial price. Fluorescent bulbs could save an estimated $8.50 a month while LEDs can save an estimated $38 a month. And don’t forget to turn them off when not in use!

Little things eventually add up to big savings. Keeping your home comfortable doesn’t have to be expensive. You can keep cool during summer and save money!

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