While everyone loves the summer months and the chance to get out and about to have fun in the sun, it’s also a time when heatwaves reign and electricity bills shoot through the roof. When it comes to energy bills, the winter isn’t much better. No one wants to take out inheritance loans just to pay their utility bills, so there has to be an easier way. Luckily, there are more than a few ways that you can save money on your energy bills, even during the summer months. In this article, you’ll find a few ways to save money on utilities this upcoming summer season, and well into the winter as well.
1. Change filters and keep the vents clean.
When it comes to lowering your utility bills throughout summer’s hottest days and into the cooler winter months, you have to keep an eye on not only your HVAC unit itself by having seasonal inspections and fixing even the smallest things that go wrong, but by changing your filters and keeping your vents clean at the same time. You need to refrain from putting furniture over your vents and make sure to clean the vents and air filters regularly. Make sure to change your filters on a monthly basis as well.
2. Adjust your thermostat.
Just the act of adjusting your thermostat can save you close to $100 on your utility bill, especially during the summer months. It’s recommended that you keep your thermostat on 78-degrees during the summer to help save on those electric bills. It will also help if you set your thermostat to 85-degrees when you’re going to be away for a few hours. You can also invest in smart home tech and be able to lower the thermostat setting remotely from your home a little while before you arrive back to your house so that it’ll be cool when you get there. If you’re looking to save some money and use less energy, this is a great way to do it.
3. Make use of fans.
While it’s super tempting to just turn on the AC and let it run, fans are a great way to stay cool and to save on your utility bills at the same time. In fact, using your ceiling fans can save you over $100 on your bill in the winter and summer months. Many people don’t realize that fans can be turned the other way during the winter to push the heat down from the ceiling to help warm your house. You do need to remember to turn off the fan if you’re leaving the room for any length of time. There’s no reason to cool or heat a room you’re not even in and that will make your energy bill higher—which is not what you want at all.
4. Turn down the temperature on your water heater.
You can save over $60 if you turn down the thermostat on the hot water heater. Turning it from 140 degrees to 120 degrees should make quite a difference in your energy use. If you’re one of those who love hot showers and baths, consider turning the temperature up right before you’re going to shower and then turning it back down afterward. It only takes a few minutes, and the money you save on your utility bills will be substantial. Plus, in the warm weather, you can even try taking a cool shower—you may find it refreshing!
Bonus Tip
Upgrade your appliances.
One sure way to save on your utility bills is by upgrading your appliances to more energy-efficient models. This is a surefire energy saver. It will save you quite a bit on energy bills and using less energy on appliances is better for the environment as well.
These are just a few of the best ways to lower your utility bills whether it’s during the summer or the winter of the year. Remember, upgrading your appliances not only helps you, but the environment will thank you as well.
