Cool ways to save this summer
Saving on your electric bill doesn’t have to require big changes around the house. Even making a few simple adjustments to your family’s daily habits can have a big impact on your energy usage each month.
Summer is the perfect time to start making new energy-efficient habits, since electric use tends to climb during the warmer months. While North Alabama Electric Cooperative does not raise its rates during the summer, higher temperatures and kids spending more time at home can add up to increased energy costs.
Try taking a few of these easy steps to keep your electric bill under control this summer:
Light it up — Traditional incandescent lightbulbs turn the majority of the energy they use into heat. Upgrading to more efficient LED bulbs will not only keep your home cooler during the summer, but it will also save you money throughout the year.
Fire up the grill — Kitchen appliances produce a lot of heat. Stoves and ovens can raise the temperature in the kitchen as much as 10 degrees. Doing your cooking outdoors on the grill is not only a great way to enjoy the summer weather, but it also helps you avoid raising the temperature in your home. Don’t have a grill? Microwaves use less energy than an oven while producing less heat.
Location, location, location — Take note of where you place the devices that produce the most heat in your home. Electronics like TVs or lamps near the thermostat can fool it into thinking your home is hotter than it is. The system may use extra energy to compensate.
Throw some shade — Enjoy the summer sun outside, but make sure the blinds or curtains are closed if you’re trying to keep your home cool. Sunlight will heat your home, especially if you have south-facing windows. You can open them back up in the evening when the temperature cools off.
Counterculture — Running a ceiling fan counterclockwise will cool the room down, allowing you to turn your thermostat up a few degrees while maintaining the same level of comfort. If you don’t have a fan in your home, a portable fan can provide a nice breeze just as well.
Cold shoulder — Most of the energy used when washing clothes is from heating the water. Using cold water whenever possible can help lower your electric bill. If the weather is right, you can even airdry clothes instead of putting them in the dryer.
