Summer's here, and for most people reading this, we all know it's HOT! Whether you're a homeowner or a renter, you're likely dealing with rising electric bills, especially at this time of the year. But did you realize that there are things you can do to help save money on your electric bill each month? Some of these you probably did, but others you may not have considered. I hope this helps!
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Do you have a programmable or a smart thermostat in your home? If you do, be sure you are using it to your benefit. Are there times during the day when no one is at home (maybe due to being at work or school)? Set the temperature higher when you’re not home, and then bring it back to where you want it before you get home.
Are you aware of how often your air filters should be changed? Make sure to change your air filters regularly.
Do you routinely have your air conditioner serviced? Follow the maintenance schedule for your air conditioning system to keep it running at peak performance levels. If you rent, make sure the owner knows if service is needed.
Do you know where the sun is coming in and what time of the day? Figure that out and block it if you can. If you realize the sun is coming up in the back of your home, close the back blinds and curtains before leaving for work in the morning.
Are you using your lights more than necessary? Only use as much light as you need. Rather than turning on all lights in a room, think about just turning on a lamp if that provides you with enough light. When you leave a room, be sure to turn everything off.
Can you use a ceiling fan to help make a room feel cooler? You sure can! Use your ceiling fans and you may find that you can adjust the temperature slightly higher and still feel comfortable. In the summertime, most say it is best if the blades rotate counterclockwise to push the cooler air downward.
Do you need your hot water to be as hot as it is, especially in the hot months of summer? Adjust it down a few degrees and see if it’s all that noticeable. Continue dropping it by a few degrees until you hit the lowest temperature that works for you.
Is it necessary to wash everything in warm or hot water? When possible, use cold water for washing in your washing machine.
How often do you clean your clothes dryer vent? Be sure to clean your clothes dryer vent before drying each load.
When do you typically run your appliances? A good idea may be to run appliances like dishwashers, washers, and dryers in the evening when it’s cooler rather than during the hottest time of the day.
How are you drying your dishes? Try cracking open the dishwasher after the wash and rinse cycles and letting your dishes air-dry instead of heat drying.
Can you modify your cooking habits to help keep your home cool? Try to avoid using your oven on the hottest days. A hot oven can increase the temperature of your home. Cook in an air fryer, Instant Pot, crockpot, toaster oven, or microwave when possible. Multi-purpose devices like an Instant Pot Duo Crisp 11-in-1 are great because they can do the job (and replace!) multiple devices - they pressure cook, act as a crockpot, air fry, steam, dehydrate, and more. They come in an 8-quart model or a smaller 6-quart.
When was the last time you cleaned the coils on your refrigerator? Reduce dust and dirt on your refrigerator coils by vacuuming or brushing them.
Do you keep everything plugged in all the time? Figure out what you're not using often and unplug these items. Even things that are plugged in but not being used draw electricity.
Are you still using the old style of lightbulbs? Swap them out for energy-efficient LED bulbs. Not only will that save you on your energy costs, but you’ll notice less heat coming from them.
Are you leaving certain lights on all the time? Consider using motion-detecting lights outdoors and indoors to save if people aren't always good about shutting off lights when they're not needed.
Take some time to review this list and see if you can find additional ways to lower your electric bill. I'm hoping you'll share additional ideas with others here - thanks!
If you're looking for other money-saving tips, read about How to Save Money on TV & Internet. I hope to see you again at https://www.leesburg4rent.com/blog - articles frequently benefit renters and homeowners alike.
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