Ways to Save on Summer Energy Bills
Energy-Saving Tips
Hot weather can have a major impact on energy costs. We strongly recommend that our customers take steps now to reduce their electricity use and save money.
Energy-saving tips:
- Sign up for My Account and find ways to save energy and money with an easy online home energy audit. My Account also allows customers to compare, analyze, and pay their bills.
- Set your air conditioner’s thermostat at 78 degrees. After removing the humidity, this can be a comfortable temperature. Remember every degree up on the thermostat can save as much as 5 percent on your energy bill.
- Change your air conditioner filter. A dirty filter causes the unit to run longer and inefficiently.
- Close window shades, blinds, or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day.
- Move lamps, TVs, and other heat-producing items away from the air conditioner’s thermostat. Heat from these appliances could cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary. Turn these appliances off when they're not being used.
- Check that all windows and doors are tightly closed to keep the cool air in and the hot air out.
- When possible, cook and use other heat-generating appliances, such as washers, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late evening when it usually is cooler.
- Wash clothes in cold water and line dry.
- Use dishwashers only when fully loaded. Dishwashers use the same amount of electricity whether they're full or empty. Use the air-dry option if your unit has one.
- Consider preparing light summer meals that don't require a lot of cooking. If possible, use an outdoor grill or microwave oven for cooking.
