Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, which means warmer weather is on the way. Yet, as many Americans are tightening their budgets this year, you can’t skip your electric bill.
And with rising rates in many areas, it could be bigger than ever, depending on how hot the summer gets.
There are some simple things you can do, however, to save money on energy costs.
Nathan Schulter, Content Manager with the Home Energy Club, provides several easy tips.
- Adjust your thermostat
- Switch to LED light bulbs
- Take appliances off “standby” mode
- Change your laundry habits
- Have a professional AC tuneup
Adjusting your thermostat
The Department of Energy estimates that you can save 10% on energy usage by adjusting your thermostat by 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day.
The best way is to set your temperature on a timer.
RELATED STORY | The best things to buy at Memorial Day sales, and how to score a great deal
If you're out of the house, bump it up to 82, Schulter said.
“If you're in the house, don't put it down to 72, put it somewhere closer to 77, 78, and that'll keep it relatively comfortable, but it won't have to work as hard to keep the house cozy.”
Schulter also recommends using a ceiling fan to help circulate the air. It makes you feel cooler, without turning the temperature any lower.
Watch as an energy expert shows ways to slash your summer electric bills:
Light bulb and other in-house changes
Another tip is to switch all of the light bulbs in your home to LED, which can reduce your energy costs by over 25%. Even if you are using CFL bulbs from a few years ago, an LED will use much less electricity.
Schulter also says to watch out for what he calls “energy vampires.”
These are appliances and electronics that remain in standby mode, such as your coffee pot or video game system. They are quick to turn on, but they’re drawing power when they aren’t being used.
RELATED STORY | Beef, chicken prices near record this Memorial Day; how to save on a cookout
Changing your laundry habits will help, too, according to Schulter.
“If you're running a load of laundry, consider washing it on cold instead of warm,” he said. Not having to run the hot water heater will save on energy usage. “Where possible, hang dry your laundry if you can.”
How an AC tune-up can help
This is a busy time of year for A/C technicians like Rob Evans of Apollo Home, as consumers crank up their air conditioning.
His best advice is not to skip an annual tune-up on your system, or you could be in for trouble. He says it is money well spent.
"Things can clog, things can break, things can freeze," he said. “You want to make sure it has the right amount of refrigerant in it, make sure it's running as efficient as possible."
Evans also recommends changing your air filter every couple of months. Check it frequently, and if it looks dusty, replace it.
Low coolant or clogged filters will result in a much higher cooling bill, according to Evans.
That way, you don’t waste your money.
___________________________
"Don't Waste Your Money" is a registered trademark of Scripps Media, Inc. ("Scripps").
_________________________________
Follow John:
- Facebook: John Matarese Money
- Instagram: @johnmataresemoney
- X/Twitter: @JohnMatarese
For more consumer news and money saving advice, go to www.dontwasteyourmoney.com
