Beat the Heat without Burning Your Budget
Cool Smarter This Summer
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 78°F is the recommended setting for staying cool while saving energy when you're home. If that feels a little warm to you, even raising your thermostat a few degrees from your usual setting can still lead to savings. Each degree can reduce cooling costs by about one percent over an eight-hour period.
Air conditioning can account for 40% to 60% of your unit’s total energy consumption during the hot summer months, so how you manage it really matters.
And here’s something that might surprise you. Turning your air conditioner completely off when you leave and blasting it when you get home does not actually save money. It forces your system to work harder to cool everything back down. A better option is to raise the temperature a bit while you are out and let the A/C run steadily. This helps avoid energy spikes and keeps your space from becoming an oven in the meantime.
More ways to keep cool without cranking the A/C:
Use ceiling fans to circulate air. Make sure they spin counterclockwise during the summer.
Close blinds or curtains during the day to block direct sunlight.
Skip the oven and dryer during the hottest parts of the day.
Take shorter, cooler showers to reduce humidity inside your home.
A little strategy can help you stay cool and keep your energy bill more manageable all summer long. Visit the Conservation Tips page for more information.
Beyond the thermostat
Water heating can account for around 18% of your home’s total energy use, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Washing clothes in cold water and taking shorter showers can help lower costs.
NASA confirmed summer 2024 was the hottest ever recorded globally. And with this summer already well underway, smart cooling habits matter more than ever.
Phantom loads are caused by devices like chargers and TVs that draw power even when off. Unplug or use a smart power strip to avoid wasting energy.
Refrigerators have to work overtime in hot weather, especially if the door is opened frequently. Keep it closed when possible and check that the seals are tight.