When the temperature continues to reach scorching heights, there isn’t a person around who doesn’t appreciate air conditioning. Summer months and early fall are the peak seasons for high electricity demands since homes and offices everywhere are running their cooling systems and fans non-stop. In addition, computers, refrigerators and freezers tend to work harder to combat the high temperatures in the atmosphere, and certainly don’t contribute to your efforts to maintain a lower electric bill.
ELECTRICITY PRICES INCREASE WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE HIGH
All extra electricity usage that occurs in your home has a definite effect on your monthly energy bill, whether it’s air conditioners, computers, appliances, video games, or TVs. When you use more electricity, you obviously have to pay for that extra usage which tends to fluctuate depending upon the season and the time of day. Energy usage typically peaks in late afternoons and definitely in the summer months.
There are a number of ways to help beat the summer heat without causing you financial hardships and without sacrificing the use of your AC system. Some practical tips you can take to help you achieve a lower electric bill include, but are not limited to, the following:
Use your AC system wisely – Though it can be somewhat of a challenge to reduce the amount of time your AC system is running, it is the logical way of reducing electric costs in peak months. On cloudy days or during early morning hours, and even at dusk, try using fans instead of the AC. Also, when you are away from home for extended periods of time, don’t keep the AC running. Instead, set your thermostat at higher temperatures while away and program it to start up in advance of your return home.
Use your AC system wisely – Though it can be somewhat of a challenge to reduce the amount of time your AC system is running, it is the logical way of reducing electric costs in peak months. On cloudy days or during early morning hours, and even at dusk, try using fans instead of the AC. Also, when you are away from home for extended periods of time, don’t keep the AC running. Instead, set your thermostat at higher temperatures while away and program it to start up in advance of your return home.
- Draw your window treatments – The sun’s heat can easily seep through your windows and create warm molecules within your living space, especially in the middle of the day. When this occurs, simply pull down your shades or other window treatments and allow your home to quickly and consistently cool down.
- Invest in effective insulation and energy efficient windows – If you have inefficient window treatments or lack insulation, then your AC system has no choice but to work harder and longer to keep your living space cool and comfortable. Double pane windows are equipped with cost effective and efficient seals that help to reduce the running time of your AC system, as do properly sealed doors and vents. Also, the installation of proper insulation in your home will ensure the cold air stays in and the heat stays out during peak months.
- Avoid using the kitchen stove during the hottest times of the day – Lighting up your stove during scorching hot summer days, makes as little sense as running your fireplace on a hot July afternoon. Get in the habit of cooking on the grill in the summer months and surely you will see that doing so contributes to a lower electric bill.
GERVAIS ELECTRIC, INC. – THE PROFESSIONALS YOU CAN TRUST
Paying high electricity bills can certainly put a bit of a damper on summer plans and fun, but when you take time out to practice these simple tips above, rest assured you will enjoy a lower electric bill and reduced energy consumption as well. Just give us a call for more information on how you can minimize electricity usage. Our team of dedicated professionals would be happy to install a setback thermostat or a ceiling fan, which can also help reduce your electricity bill. At Gervais Electric, Inc, we stand ready to meet your every need and look forward to the opportunity to serve you and your family season after season, year after year!
