Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, meaning warmer weather is coming.
Yet, as many Americans are tightening their budgets this year, you can't skip your electric bill.
And with rising rates in many areas, it could be bigger than ever, depending on how hot the summer gets.
However, you can do some simple things to save money on energy costs.
Nathan Schulter, Content Manager with the Home Energy Club, provides several easy tips.
- Adjust your thermostat
- Switch to LED light bulbs
- Take appliances off "standby" mode
- Change your laundry habits
- Have a professional A/C tune-up
Adjusting your thermostat
The Department of Energy estimates that adjusting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours daily can save 10% on energy usage.
The best way is to set your temperature on a timer.
Schulter said that if you're out of the house, bump it to 82 degrees.
"If you're in the house, don't put it down to 72; put it somewhere closer to 77, 78, and that'll keep it relatively comfortable, but it won't have to work as hard to keep the house cozy."
Schulter also recommends using a ceiling fan to help circulate the air. It makes you feel cooler without lowering the temperature.
Watch as an energy expert shows ways to slash your summer electric bills:
Light bulb and other in-house changes
Another tip is to switch all of the light bulbs in your home to LED, which can reduce your energy costs by over 25%. Even if you are using CFL bulbs from a few years ago, an LED will use much less electricity.
Schulter also says to watch out for what he calls "energy vampires."
These appliances and electronics remain on standby mode, such as your coffee pot or video game system. They quickly turn on but draw power when they aren't being used.
Changing your laundry habits will help, too, according to Schulter.
"If you're running a load of laundry, consider washing it on cold instead of warm," he said. Not having to run the hot water heater will save on energy usage. "Where possible, hang dry your laundry if you can."
How an AC tune-up can help
As consumers crank up their air conditioning, this is a busy time of year for A/C technicians like Rob Evans of Apollo Home.
His best advice is not to skip an annual tune-up on your system, as you could be in for trouble. He says it is money well spent.
"Things can clog, things can break, things can freeze," he said. "You want to make sure it has the right amount of refrigerant in it; make sure it's running as efficiently as possible."
Evans also recommends changing your air filter every couple of months. Check it frequently, and if it looks dusty, replace it.
Low coolant or clogged filters will result in a much higher cooling bill, according to Evans.
That way, you don't waste your money.
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