How to Reduce Summer Utility Bill

The summer is a hot season and keeping the temperature down in your house comes with a potentially high cost. For most homeowners, summer cooling becomes the second biggest household expense after paying the mortgage. By following some simple tips, you can reduce your energy costs and use the savings for the family vacation.

Instructions

1. Run ceiling fans or box fans to keep air circulating throughout your house. This will help keep the air from being stale and help your air conditioner cool your home more efficiently.

2. Have your air conditioning unit serviced once a year. Have any parts replaced as soon as they fail. Change the filter monthly. If you are not using a room or area in your house, close off the ducts supplying air conditioning to that room or area.

3. Close any doors, windows and other openings when running your house's air conditioner. Close any blinds or shades during the hottest part of the day---usually between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.

4. Caulk any windows, doors and other openings that have cracks in them. Check any openings or windows in your attic and basement. A well insulated house is easier to cool.

5. Perform tasks like washing clothes and dishes and running the laundry dryer during the evening or early morning hours. Household appliances create heat and moisture and force your air conditioner to work harder to cool your home.

6. Cook during the coolest part of the day and try not to use the oven. Use a microwave oven, outdoor grill or slow cooker, if you have one.

7. Replace your air conditioner's old analog thermostat with a new programmable electronic one. Then program it to a temperature of 78 degrees or higher if you or members of your family are healthy. If anyone in the household is sick or elderly, set the thermostat to a level where they are comfortable. Also, program the thermostat to turn off during the overnight hours and when no one is at home.

Tips & Warnings

• If going out of town, raise your air conditioner's thermostat to 90 degrees F or if you are in an area where the heat is not too intense, turn the air conditioning off completely. Unplug any unnecessary appliances and electronics.

References

• Nine Ways to Reduce Your August Utility Bill
• How to reduce energy use and cooling costs in the summer

Resources

• Save Energy & Lower Your Utility Bills