You may be wondering why your electric bill is suddenly higher than normal in the summer months. Florida summers are notorious for their heat and humidity, with a lot of humid weather and temperatures almost never dropping below 90 degrees. As it gets hotter and hotter, we all tend to want to stay inside with our electronics, appliances and the air conditioning.
In the summer, electric bills tend to be on the rise because of increased usage. Usually, there are more people using their ACs at full blast to fight the summer heat. School is out, as well, and the kids are home and living on their electronics. Due to this higher demand for energy, prices go up because the suppliers have to pay for that electricity.
So how can we use our energy efficiently?
Tips for Energy Efficiency at Home:
- Raise the thermostat. It’s possible to save money by raising the temperature in the house for a few hours every day. It’s recommended to raise the temperature higher while you are out of the house. While in the house, you should raise the temperature as high as you and the family are comfortable with. The closer it is to the outdoor temperature, the more money you will save.
- Seal the doors and windows. Closing the little cracks in the doors and windows will trap the cooler air inside and keep the family cooler for longer. One trick to check if windows and doors need to be sealed is to put a piece of paper underneath the door or window while it’s open. If you can pull the paper out after closing the window or door on it, that means that door or window needs to be sealed.
- Check and change your air filters consistently. It’s important to change them often to keep a clean and constant airflow.
- Unplug electronics when they aren’t in use. Standby power can use up a lot of energy and increase your bill more than it would’ve been otherwise. Using surge protectors can make it easier to turn off those standby power electronics.
- Use ceiling fans when you’re in that specific room. Ceiling fans can help keep the house cool when you raise the temperature. It’s more cost-effective to use a ceiling fan than keep your AC super low.
- Thermal drapes can help, too! Placing thermal drapes over the windows can help trap the cool air inside and keep warm air from coming in.
By using less energy, you’re not only saving money but lowering the chances of potential blackouts. If you need a home electrical inspection, contact Gulf Coast Electric today!
