As the summer heat begins to rise, so can your energy bills. With long, hot days ahead, it’s easy to feel staying comfortable in your home is a costly endeavor. But don’t worry — there are plenty of simple strategies to help you stay cool, save money, and enjoy a more comfortable summer. Check out these smart and easy tips to lower your energy costs without sacrificing comfort.
Keep Your House Cool
Keeping your home cool can be a breeze if you use a few clever tricks to avoid cranking up the air conditioning all the time:
- Use Fans Effectively: Ceiling fans aren’t just for winter! Set them to spin counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. This wind-chill effect can help circulate air and make rooms feel cooler, even when your thermostat stays higher. Ceiling fans can make a significant difference in comfort without increasing your electric bill.
- Close Curtains and Blinds: Direct sunlight can increase the temperature in your home by several degrees. Keep curtains or blinds closed during the day to block out the sun and reduce heat. For an extra energy-efficient touch, consider installing light-colored, reflective window coverings that help reduce heat gain.
- Embrace Cooking Alternatives: Hot weather calls for cool cooking! Instead of using the oven or stovetop, which can warm up your home, try grilling outside, using a microwave, or experimenting with small appliances like air fryers or slow cookers. These options generate less heat and can still provide delicious meals.
Smart Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill
Energy-saving habits don’t have to be hard to adopt. Here are some quick and easy changes to help keep your energy bill in check:
- Install a Smart Thermostat: A programmable or smart thermostat adjusts your home’s temperature based on your schedule. Set it to increase the temperature when you’re out of the house and lower it just before you return. Each degree you raise the thermostat can save you up to 3% on cooling costs!
- Keep Your A/C in Top Shape: Just like your car, your A/C unit needs regular maintenance to run efficiently. Clean or replace filters monthly and schedule a tune-up to ensure it’s working at peak performance. A well-maintained A/C system can cool your home faster and use less energy.
- Seal Windows and Doors: Ensure all windows and doors are sealed properly when your A/C is on. Even small gaps can let cool air escape and warm air in, causing your air conditioner to work harder. Simple weatherstripping can make a big difference in keeping the cool air inside.
- Run Appliances During Cooler Hours: The middle of the day is usually the hottest time, so avoid running heat-producing appliances, such as the dishwasher, washing machine, or dryer, during peak hours. Instead, do laundry or use the dishwasher in the evening when temperatures drop, and your A/C can handle the load more efficiently.
Seek Out Relief from the Heat
For those times when staying at home isn’t enough to escape the heat, you can find comfort at local cooling centers. In Maricopa County, several cool centers are available to help you beat the heat and stay safe. In Surprise, there are multiple cool centers open to the public. Find one by visiting the Arizona Heat Preparedness Network.
Final Thoughts
Staying cool during the summer doesn’t have to be expensive. By applying these easy-to-follow tips, you can lower your energy usage, reduce your bills, and enjoy a more comfortable home. So go ahead and take control of your energy costs this summer and make the most of the sunny season!
Stay safe, save energy, and keep cool!
