10 Tips For Slashing Your Utility Bill This Summer!
Published on August 15, 2018 | Last Updated on February 16, 2022
This has been one of the hottest summer’s in a long time for most of the country. I’m grateful we were able to escape the Houston heat for a couple weeks in Colorado but even in the mountains it’s unseasonably warm! Before we left Houston we took precautions to lower our electricity usage and slash our utility bill. It’s crazy how something as simple as changing out a light bulb can make such a big difference over time! I’ve partnered with Aire Serv, a Neighborly Company to share some easy energy saving tips to beat the heat this summer! They sent me a summer savings kit filled with energy-efficient light bulbs, HVAC foil tape, a weatherstrip and instructions on how to check and replace your air filters. It’s amazing how a few simple changes can make a HUGE difference!
10 Tips To Beat High Summer Electric Bills
KEEP THE FANS ON
Using the fans in your home can cool it off drastically. We always keep our fans running when we’re home so we don’t have to keep the AC cranked down so low. Just be sure to turn them off when leaving the room!
SWITCH OUT YOUR LIGHT BLUBS
Did you know that by simply replacing those old school bulbs w/ LED lights, you use 80% less energy AND they last 25x longer, which results in substantial savings? So worth it to make the switch!
ADD STRIPS TO THE BOTTOM OF YOUR DOORS
Add weatherstripping to drafty doors and windows. The Aire Serv kit I received included easy-to-use instructions.To test air tightness at home, includes instructions to easily test this useTo test air tightness, slip a dollar bill into a window or door. If the seal is good, it should be impossible to remove the bill without opening the window or door. If the dollar slides or falls out, replace the weatherstripping with an energy-efficient and easy-to-use draft stopper.
CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTERS
If you’re air filters are old, your AC unit works much harder than it needs to. Switching out your filters can make a big difference! If you’re not sure which filter is the right fit for your home, follow these tips listed on the Aire Serv site.
UNPLUG ELECTRONICS WHEN NOT IN USE
This one is more difficult for me to remember but I’m trying to make it a habit! When cords are plugged in the outlets they use electricity even when not turned on.
SEAL UP THOSE LEAKS
Properly sealing ductwork is essential for an effective and efficient HVAC system. When inspecting your ducts, ask yourself are there gaps in the seams? Is your flexible ductwork kinked and torn? If so, use HVAC foil tape to seal joints between sections.
OPEN THOSE VENTS
Blocked or closed vents can make AC units work harder than they should, as they don’t allow for proper airflow.
DON’T OVER-DRY YOUR LAUNDRY
Modern dryers are incredibly efficient. If you’re worried about saving energy, it’s better to hang-dry clothing than use a dryer for longer than necessary.
INSTALL SOLAR SCREENS TO BLOCK OUT HOT SUMMERTIME SUN
These window treatments reflect sunlight away from buildings, which reduces demand for air conditioning. On a large enough scale, this could significantly ease demand during peak hours.
TURN YOUR STOVE OFF WHEN YOU’RE DONE COOKING
Leaving it on can heat up your kitchen for hours–even when you’re not using it! 10) Use motion detectors to cut down on lighting costs . Put them in frequently used rooms to conserve energy when they aren’t needed. For lamps that are used less often, unplug them to avoid phantom loads that drain energy when the device isn’t in use.
Thank you Aire Serv for partnering with me on this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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