Most people dread paying their energy bills each month, especially during the summer. The average electric bill costs approximately $115.49 each month in the United States.
Due to the high temperatures, these costs can be far more expensive in places like Cold Spring, Texas.
Therefore, you must conserve energy to save money on your electric bill each summer.
Learning how to cool your home efficiently also plays a part in your expenses. So keep reading if you’re worried about the cost of your summer electric bill this year.
Insulation
Insulation plays a massive role in maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. It works as a barrier to keep heat out during summer and heat in during winter.
As temperatures are harder to maintain without proper insulation, your air conditioner works harder to cool your home. Installing adequate insulation can make summers easier on your HVAC system overall. This installation will also lengthen its lifespan and lessen the need for repairs.
Insulation will keep cool air inside longer, keeping your air conditioner from overrunning. The more your cooling system runs, the higher your electricity bill becomes.
Monitor Weather
East Texas is known for having unpredictable weather patterns. Conditions can change quickly, making it difficult for HVAC systems to adapt. This difficulty is due to drastic temperature and humidity changes.
Your HVAC system can use lots of energy while working to reach a comfortable temperature. Air conditioners or heaters will often constantly run until the desired temperature is met. This will cause your energy costs to rise significantly.
The best way to battle these costs is to monitor the weather often. Change your HVAC settings before the temperature changes, giving your system time to adjust.
Update Appliances
Many people think they are saving money by using older appliances and not buying new ones. Unfortunately, older devices may use more energy and are not efficient. You can save more money by investing in new machines.
A high electric bill can benefit from modern appliances since they use less electricity. Energy Star certified appliances are the best option for those wanting a lower electric bill. This certification also helps the environment by providing sustainable energy consumption.
Shut Things Off
Most people use electricity with lighting, electronics, and appliances throughout the day. However, some users forget to shut things off after use. This thoughtlessness can cause your electricity bill to increase if done often.
Always turn things off as soon as you’re done using them. These savings will add up and result in a lower electric bill as time goes on.
Vampire Appliances
Vampire appliances are devices that still use energy when plugged in and are not in direct use. These devices create wasted energy that adds up on your monthly bill. For example, coffee pots, microwaves, game consoles, etc., are all considered vampire appliances.
You can reduce your electric bill by unplugging these devices after use. This may seem like a hassle, but it can save you lots of money throughout the year.
Clean Obstructed AC Units
It’s no secret that AC units take up large amounts of energy during the summer. Therefore, you always want your HVAC system to be working efficiently. Many homeowners neglect these systems, ending up with dirty or obstructed ventilation.
Cleaning your system is beneficial for energy use and your health. A dirty system can blow particles into your home, making breathing conditions unhealthy.
AC vents often get obstructed within many homes, and furniture is usually the leading cause. Placing anything in front of a vent causes your AC to work in overdrive to provide a cool environment. This will then cause your electric bill to increase until the obstruction is removed.
Use Ceiling Fans
AC units are great for cooling the entire home but are not efficient. Instead, you can lower energy bills by using ceiling fans. Ceiling fans are great for those that spend most of their time in a few rooms and not the whole house.
Ceiling fans will move the air in the room, making it feel cooler overall. These fans are great for those that live in East Texas due to the cooler air in the evenings. Ceiling fans and this environment can reduce your need for air conditioning.
Change to LED Bulbs
Changing to LED light bulbs is a great way to conserve energy. LED bulbs use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs and still create the same lighting. As less energy is used throughout your home, your electric bill will reduce.
LED bulbs also last much longer than incandescent bulbs, meaning you won’t have to change bulbs out near as often. This change can save you money since LED bulbs can last up to 100,000 hours more than incandescents.
Smart Thermostat
Traditional thermostats rely on you to manually input the desired temperature and change it when required. This can waste energy when you’re not home if the AC runs without being needed.
A smart thermostat can save you money on your monthly electric bills. These thermostats gather information and make adjustments to cool your home. You do not need to make any inputs as it automatically adjusts based on your needs.
Lower Your Electric Bill This Summer
These recommendations will help reduce your electric bill during summer and save more money. Conserving energy helps you financially and helps create a cleaner environment.
Don’t forget to contact us today if you’re located in the Cold Spring area! Best Air Conditioning and Heating will help with your cooling needs this summer.