Summer months can bring higher energy costs and cause high demand on the electric grid. Keeping your home comfortable can be expensive.
Implementing energy efficiency solutions can lower your summer electric bills, keep your home cool, and reduce demand on the grid.
Efficiency
One cost effective step: update your insulation. This will keep cool air in your home and hot air out. You can add more insulation on top of existing insulation in your walls and attic.
Ventilate the attic. When the outside temperature is in the 90s, your attic can easily reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Adequately sized vents or an attic fan can help keep hot air from building up.
Get the air conditioner ready. Shut off power to the unit before you clean. On the inside, wash or vacuum cleanable filters and replace disposable ones. Outside, clear leaves and other debris away from the unit. Hose off any accumulated dirt. It is a good idea to call a professional to inspect your unit in the spring or early in the summer.
On moderate days, turn off the air conditioner and open windows and doors and let outside air cool your house. On hotter days, consider investing in a programmable thermostat. Leave it on a higher temperature while you’re away, and set it to cool the house half an hour before you return home.
Close blinds, shades or draperies during the hottest part of the day. Consider planting fast-growing trees and shrubs near your home, but away from power lines, to provide shade. You can also look into installing awnings over windows exposed to direct sunlight.
If you are shopping for a new air conditioning unit, look for one with the blue Energy Star label. An Energy Star air conditioner will save money in the long run by using less electricity. East Central Electric Cooperative Members can also take advantage of a $50 rebate on the purchase of a Energy Star rated room air conditioning unit. Visit the ECE website or call for details.
High Bill Concerns
Temperature extremes have a serious impact on electric costs. On average, heating and cooling make up 42 percent of your annual energy bill.
As a member-owned and operated electric cooperative, East Central exists to serve you. If you need to set up a payment plan that works for your budget, get help making ends meet, or find a convenient way to pay your bill, we have options to assist you.
Call the Cooperative at 918-756-0833 to see how we can help you.