June 30, 2019
Summer is when the highest power bills are usually seen due to the increasing heat. For some reason, it doesn't seem to take as much energy to stay warm as it does to remain cool in the increasing heat. With power costs rising and the economy taking a downward turn there are some tips for lowering your power bill during the summer that can be rather useful when they are put into practice.
The air conditioning is the first of the summer electricity consumers that can be reduced to lower the amount of the power bill. Making sure that the unit is in proper working order at the beginning of the summer is the first thing that has to be done. This will aid in assuring that the unit is cooling properly and not wasting electricity. The filter should be changed on a regular basis to ensure that the unit does not become clogged. The vents should be free of items that can block the airflow in rooms that you are using, close the vents in rooms that you do not use to redirect the air flow.
The thermostat of the unit should be set around 78 degrees or higher if you can stand it. The auto function on the thermostat will ensure that the temperature remains the same in the home without running all day long. If you still have individual room air conditioners you can use them only in the rooms that are occupied. At night or when you are going to be gone for an extended period of time the thermostat on the air conditioner can be turned up a little higher to keep from cooling the home instead of the occupants.
Dressing for the weather and incorporating fans to circulate the air will help you to resist the urge to turn the thermostat down as low as it will go. Blocking the heat from entering the home through the windows will help to keep the temperature consistent. You can purchase window film covering rather inexpensively; if you don't have the money for it you can use blankets to black out the windows in the rooms of the home that don't often have guests in them. Making sure that all doors and windows are free of leaks will go a long way to keeping hot air out and cold air in.
Using electricity providers that offer competitive rates can also make a big difference. Check what your rates are at the company you’re currently using and also those of the competitors, chances are you’re paying more than you ought to. Some companies who specialize in solar- and wind energy production even offer special rates for green energy that can potentially take a big chunk out of your electricity bill at the end of the month. Also, look at providers that offer exceptional customer service and professional advice on how to cut costs and what would work best for your home and lifestyle.
Laundry is another place that the power bill can be reduced during the summer. Washing only full loads of laundry in cold water will save on the costs of heating the water. The dryer is convenient but it can increase the energy bill especially during summer when it puts heat into the house. If you must use the dryer use it in the evenings when it's not as hot. To avoid using the dryer you can wash your clothes in the mornings and hang them outside to dry. It will only take a couple of hours for them to dry and there will be no electricity used; if you can't do them in the mornings you can do them in the evenings and place them on hangers or on drying racks to dry them.
Cooking is another area where power bills can be reduced during the summer. Avoid using the oven whenever possible; if you insist on using the oven then do it at night when it's not as hot to avoid increasing the amount of heat in the house. Use burners the same size as your pots and place lids on them to keep the heat from escaping. If you have one day off and can find the time you can cook up multiple meals and freeze them. The microwave uses less energy than the stove for cooking most items, use it whenever possible to make meals. Summer is a great time for grilling out.
Wash a full sink of dishes at once and rinse them in a half of the sink of cold water. The dishwasher should be run with full loads and the air dry setting used. Hot water in the shower adds to the power bill and doesn't do anything to help you cool off. Taking shorter showers in cooler water will help to reduce the power bill as well.
Daylight last longer in the summer so take advantage of the light and work in the yard when it's comfortable out in the evenings. Utilize natural light in the house and put off turning the lights on just a little longer. Lights are a source of heat in the home if you still use the old fashion incandescent bulbs. Switching even one of the most used lights in the home to an energy efficient bulb will save you money on power.
Chargers use power even when nothing is being charged on them. Be sure to unplug charges when the items on them are fully charged. Do not leave the electronics in the home on standby when you leave or go to bed at night. Turn them completely off, even if this means unplugging them. All leaving them on standby does is to use power even if it's less power than they would use when they are on.
These are just a few things that can aid in lowering your power bill during the summer. A look around the home will give you several more ideas to decrease your power consumption and save you money during the summer.
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FAQs
Mind the temperature.
How to decrease energy bill in summer? ›
10 Ways To Beat The Heat & Save Money On Your Energy Bill This Summer
- Give your air conditioner a checkup – or a replacement. ...
- Adjust your thermostat. ...
- Spend time outdoors. ...
- Unplug devices. ...
- Use fans instead of A/C. ...
- Plants can provide much needed shade. ...
- Lower your water heating costs. ...
- Use electricity during off-peak hours.
In many areas, summer signals higher energy demand, causing the market price to increase. If you are on a variable-rate plan, you may see your energy rate increase this season. Even on a fixed-rate plan, you may see increased electricity rates if you've switched or renewed electricity plans in the last year.
Why is electricity so expensive in summer? ›
During summer months, customer demand for electricity is at its highest, especially in the late afternoon and early evening. Also, the competition among power providers to purchase electricity in short-term markets increases during the summer season, which helps drive up the price of electricity.
How much electricity does a TV use if left on all night? ›
The power varies by the size of the TV but modern large flat screen LCD TVs pull about 50–150 watts, typically. Leaving it on all night 8 hours until you wake up will burn 300 to 1200 watt-hours or 0.4 to 1.2 kWh.
Do ceiling fans use a lot of electricity? ›
Running a fan takes a lot less electricity than running an air conditioner; ceiling fans average at about 15-90 watts of energy used, and tower fans use about 100 watts. The best ceiling fans, window fans, towers and whole-house fans use only a fraction of the energy consumed by an air-conditioner.
How can I keep my heat bill low? ›
8 Ways to Lower Your Heating Costs
- Caulk and weather strip. ...
- Insulate your attic. ...
- Change your air filter. ...
- Get your heating system inspected. ...
- Install a programmable thermostat. ...
- Set your thermostat at 70 degrees or lower. ...
- Let the sun heat your house. ...
- Sign up for budget billing.
Which home appliances use the most electricity?
- Heating and cooling: 45-50% The largest electricity consumer in the average household is your heating and cooling appliance. ...
- Water heater: 12% ...
- Lighting: 9-12% ...
- Refrigerator: 8% ...
- Washer and dryer: 5% ...
- Electric oven: 3% ...
- Dishwasher: 2% ...
- TV and cable box: 2%
Old windows and drafty attic spaces with air leaks are common culprits behind unusually high electric bills. Invest in new energy-efficient windows with better seals and glass, and make sure attic and basem*nt spaces have proper insulation. The investment today will save you money on your bill down the road.
Which appliances use the most electricity? ›
What Can I Unplug? These Household Items Cost the Most Electricity
- Cooling and heating: 47% of energy use.
- Water heater: 14% of energy use.
- Washer and dryer: 13% of energy use.
- Lighting: 12% of energy use.
- Refrigerator: 4% of energy use.
- Electric oven: 3-4% of energy use.
- TV, DVD, cable box: 3% of energy use.
Common factors that increase electricity consumption
Air conditioning: One of the primary reasons for increased electricity usage in the summer is the use of air conditioning systems. Cooling your home requires a significant amount of energy, especially if you live in a hot climate or use your AC for extended periods.
What season is electricity cheapest? ›
Because demand for electricity is lowest during the spring and fall, electricity may cost less in these seasons. Electricity market rates are higher in summer and winter because people use more electricity for air conditioning and heat.
What is the most expensive time to be using electricity? ›
Generally, you can expect peak hours to start sometime in the afternoon and go into the evening when people return home after work and use more lights and appliances. And depending on the season and where you live, you'll usually pay higher rates on weekdays during certain hours.
Is it expensive to leave a fan on all day? ›
Therefore, the fan uses about 360 kWh per month in the ON mode. The average kWh in the US costs about $0.12 so it costs about $43 per month, or about $520 per year, to run a fan continuously.
Does leaving the lights on cost a lot of money? ›
If we assume the average price of electricity in the United States (about 17¢ per kWh), you'd spend $0.001496 by turning the light on for one hour. Leaving the light on for 20 hours would cost you about three pennies.
How much does it cost to run a 1500 watt heater for 24 hours? ›
It depends on how much you are being charged per kilowatt hour. Usually your electric bill will state the rate and where I live it's about 10 cents per Kw/h. A 1500 watt heater is using about 1.5 Kw per hour x 24 hours = 36Kw/h. So about $3.60 in the USA.
How can I be more energy efficient in summer? ›
Cost-efficient tips to help lower your energy use during warm weather
- Open your windows. ...
- Use room fans to keep your home cool. ...
- Check the filter on your air conditioning system, and clean or replace it if it's dirty. ...
- Caulk gaps and cracks around doorframes and windows. ...
- Get your air conditioner.
What's a normal energy bill in Wisconsin? The average winter natural gas bill in Wisconisn was a little over $100 a month last year, but individual bills can vary dramatically based on the size and energy-efficiency of a house.
How to save energy during a heat wave? ›
Use electric fans instead of air conditioning, when practical. Minimize lighting use, where possible. Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during high-temperature times of the day. Avoid using evaporative coolers or humidifiers when the air conditioner is running.
