Don't let them heat up your energy use.
This time of year, it’s easy to feel tired of the heat and tempted to crank the air conditioning. But while cooler air feels good now, a higher bill at the end of the month won’t. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to stay comfortable and keep your electric use in check.
Resist the dial
Air conditioning accounts for more than half of your electric bills during the summer months. Turn your thermostat up a few degrees to save energy, and if you need to lower it, do so no more than 2 degrees at a time. Keeping your thermostat too low can cause undue stress on your A/C.
Fan out the hot air
A ceiling fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler. Just make sure it’s set to spin counterclockwise, creating a cooling downdraft. Remember, fans cool people, not spaces. Turn them off when you leave the room.
Block the blazing sun
Direct sunlight can quickly heat up your space. Close blinds and curtains to keep your home cooler and your A/C from working harder than needed.
Seal those tiny open spaces
The tiniest gaps around your windows or doors could let cold air slip away. Use caulk or weatherstripping on these small open spaces to keep cool air inside where it belongs.
Make a splash
Get out of the house altogether and take a dip in the pool! Be sure to bump up your thermostat before you go to save while you’re away.
Track your electric use
Don’t be blindsided by high energy use. Log in to your account or download the SmartHub app on your mobile device to monitor your use with Usage Explorer. It’s the best way to see when you’re using the most electricity.
While logged in, you can also:
- Analyze electric use.
- Track how much power your home is using when you’re away.
- Review your energy use alongside temperature information over time.
- Sign up to receive alerts when you have an upcoming bill or you’ve used a certain amount of energy.
Get started today!
Log in to your account or download the SmartHub app on your mobile device to monitor your use with our Usage Explorer tool. Need help? Call us from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 888-554-4732, and one of our agents will be glad to assist.
