Summer is coming, and high temperatures are coming with it. That means swimming, sweating, and — hopefully — saving! Follow our helpful tips to keep the climbing temps from running up your electric bill.
Complete HVAC
maintenance
Have a licensed technician service your HVAC once a year to ensure it runs efficiently. The last thing you want is to lose air conditioning on a hot day! Also, trim any landscaping and clear clutter around the outside unit.
Clean the air filter and drain
Check your HVAC filter each month and replace as needed. You should also clean the drain line, typically located near the drain pan inside your home. Turn the system off, pour a mixture of water and vinegar or dish soap down the pipe, and let it sit before flushing with water.
Rotate your ceiling fans counterclockwise
Many ceiling fans can reverse rotation. Make sure yours is rotating counterclockwise, creating a downdraft to keep you cool. Experts say a ceiling fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler, but make sure to turn it off when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not spaces.
Create shade
Close the curtains or blinds to keep the sun from adding extra heat to your home. You can also plant trees for shade, but don’t plant too close to power lines or pad-mounted transformers!
Be smart with the thermostat
We recommend setting the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. When you want it cooler, lowering the temperature by 2 degrees at a time is more efficient. Installing a smart thermostat can help automate your settings and allow you to control your HVAC remotely from your phone.
Reduce water heater use
Set the heater’s thermostat to the lowest comfortable temperature and install a low-flow shower head. Conserving water means the water heater runs less, so you’ll find savings on both your electric and water bills.
Get more tips at pec.coop/savings.
