Summer is approaching and when temperatures rise, so can your electric bills. Hot weather increases the demand for electricity to keep homes cool. Since the outside temperature is the largest factor affecting your electric bill, NES is reminding customers of easy ways to keep their bills under control during hot summer months.
- Seal it up for summer
- Keep hot air out and cool air in by using caulk or weather strips to create strong seals on doors, windows and your attic access.
- Save energy and stay cool
- Set your thermostat between 76 and 78 degrees. Even just a few degrees higher than the most comfortable setting is a step in the right direction. Also, turn on ceiling fans to keep cool. Remember, ceiling fans cool people, not rooms, so don’t forget to turn fans off when you leave a room.
- Get smart before you get away
- No one’s using water while you’re gone – so why waste energy heating it? Before leaving for vacation, take a trip to your water heater and switch it off.
- Seize the heat
- If it’s going to be hot, you might as well use it to your advantage! Opt for line drying clothes instead of using your dryer, which only adds to the heat and humidity in your home.
- Clean out your AC unit
- Make sure your outside air conditioning unit is free of debris, and schedule regular maintenance to keep it running efficiently.
- Trust the trees
- A well-placed tree can reduce cooling costs by 25%. But remember, before you plant a tree, make it power-line friendly by following these guidelines for planting locations:
- Plant leafy shade trees in the south and west
- Plant evergreens in the north
- Close the curtains
- Keeping curtains and blinds closed on the sunny side of the home blocks out some of the heat, while opening them on the shady side provides natural lighting without raising the temperature.
- Unplug it
- TVs, game consoles and DVRs continue to use power when plugged in, even after they’re switched off. Use power strips or unplug electronics to avoid wasting kilowatts.
- Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audit
- Find out the energy efficiency of your home by taking a quick and easy online energy survey. You’ll receive a free energy-saving kit in the mail.
- Neighborhood Comparison
- Take control of your usage with our Neighborhood Comparison tool which allows you to compare your energy usage to similar homes in your neighborhood. You’ll also receive customized energy saving tips based on your usage.
For more ways to save energy, click here.
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