Creative Ways To Save On Your Utility Bills This Summer

The summer of 2018 will be one to remember, but it is not too late to think of creative ways to save on your utility bills.  We have seen heat waves in parts of the country where having air conditioning in the home is not the norm and it has even caused serious health issues for some folks.  Chances are your home energy costs may rise because of these crazy temperatures and the summer is not even half over. 

Once in a while, everyone needs a way to save some money and one of the most costly parts of running a household can be the utility bills. When you run your air conditioning in the summer, the utilities will go up even higher. There are many ways that you can bring down some of the costs associated with your utilities over the summer; you just have to get creative.

Take a Look at the Thermostat

The costs of cooling your home can certainly add up quickly, especially if you have your air conditioning running constantly. If you are looking to reduce the expense, try raising the temperature setting on your thermostat by at least 3-4 degrees.

Get a New Thermostat

There are so many new thermostats out on the market that can help you save money on your cooling bill. There are even some available that have apps that allow you to control the temperature when you are away from home. Investing in a smart thermostat can be a great way to save money and many utility companies offer rebates for purchasing one.

Turn on Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans are generally cheap to run and can help to cool a room faster and more efficiently than air conditioning alone. In order to get the best benefit from your ceiling fans, you want to ensure that you are running them counter clockwise as this draws the cooler air upward. If you don’t have any ceiling fans, it is a good idea to consider purchasing some and having them installed. It can be considered an investment and lower your utility bills.

Monitor Your Habits

Cooking inside, running the dishwasher and using the washer and dryer all have the ability to significantly raise the heat in your home and largely increase your energy bills. Consider barbecuing outside to reduce the temperature in your home and run the dishwasher or washer and dryer in the late evening or early morning. Make sure to take note of the peak and off peak hours in your area as well.

Know the Temperature Outside

Pay close attention to the weather forecast and the projected temperatures for your area. Open windows and doors early in the morning and don’t close them until the outdoor temperature is close to the temperature you have your thermostat set to. Once the weather cools down at night, you can re-open them. This will help to minimize your reliance on air conditioning in the summer.

You aren’t required to make large sacrifices when attempting to save money; sometimes all that is needed is a change in habits. Make sure you are familiar with your thermostat and aware of your habits and the forecasted weather and you will be well on your way to saving on your utilities over the summer months.

Do you have any tips for saving money on your utility bills this summer?

FT&PD

Suz

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