Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Keep Your Summer Electricity Bill Under Control.

June is only a few days a way; don't let the summer heat get the best of you and your electricity bill. Follow these 10-simple-tips and you'll be well on your way to saving money this summer.

1. Install a programmable thermostat and then program it to only condition the air when anyone is around to appreciate it.

2. Open the windows and take advantage of the cooler air in the evening. Set up a whole-home fan or a window fan to further circulate the air.

3. Cook on the grill. Cooking indoors on the stove can raise the temperature, making your Air Conditioner work harder. Utilize an outdoor grill as much as possible.

4. Change your light-bulbs: switch out your incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs which use less energy and produce less heat.

5. Turn on the ceiling fans and make sure they're spinning the correct direction. They should be spinning clockwise to push the heat upwards. This can make rooms feel about 5 degrees cooler.

6. Properly insulate the attic. If properly sealed and insulated, the attic will keep the heat from significantly increasing the temperature below in the rest of the house.

7. Fix any air leaks around doors, windows or wall sockets. Keep the conditioned air inside with weatherstripping and/or caulking.

8. Check the duct-work for visible breaks or holes and seal it up duct mastic, not duct tape.

9. Block out the sun with curtains and blinds during the daylight hours, especially in rooms that get direct sunlight or have west facing windows.

10. Turn up the thermostat if you can. For each degree over 78 degrees you can save between 5 and 8 percent on your energy bill.

If your looking for programmable thermostats or any summer preparation or weatherization, give us a call today!