STAY COMFORTABLE WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

Tips to keep energy costs down as temperatures climb

Summer is coming to Alabama, bringing the scorching heat and high humidity that can lead to high energy bills as we all try to cool our homes. But you don’t have to break the bank to stay comfortable during the summer months. Here are a few ways to save energy and reduce your bill while keeping cool:

1. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher: For every degree you raise your thermostat, you can save up to 3% on your cooling costs. If you have no pets and your house stays empty during the day, you may even want to turn your thermostat off while you’re away.

2. Use fans: Ceiling fans and portable fans can help circulate air throughout your home, making it feel cooler and reducing the strain on your air conditioning unit. Set your fan to spin counterclockwise — that way, the blades push air downward and create a cool breeze.

3. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day: Blocking out the sun can reduce the heat entering your home and make it easier for your air conditioning to keep up. But remember not to use dark-colored blinds and curtains, as they may hold heat instead of helping cool your home.

4. Use your grill: Cooking indoors can generate a lot of heat, so take advantage of the warm weather and fire up your grill instead. If you are not a big fan of grilling, consider whipping up cool summer treats that require minimal use of the stove and oven.

5. Seal air leaks: Weatherstripping your windows and doors is one of the best ways to keep hot air from entering and cool air from escaping.

6. Switch to LED lightbulbs: Not only do they last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs, but they also generate less heat and use less energy. Some LED bulbs are even Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled from your smartphone or with a smart home assistant.

7. Use a programmable thermostat: You can set the thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your schedule, saving energy when you’re not there. It helps you ensure you are not wasting money cooling an empty house.

8. Plant native trees or install shading devices: Reducing the amount of direct sunlight hitting your home can lower cooling costs. If you want to get really creative, you can even transform your roof into a green or living roof that’s a natural insulator for your home.

9. Do your laundry and run your dishwasher at night: Appliances for washing and drying can generate a lot of heat, so running them at night when it’s cooler means your home stays more comfortable during the daytime. And that’s not all — you will also help lower peak energy demand by scheduling your energy-intensive tasks for later in the day.

By implementing these energy-saving tips, you can keep your energy bill under control and still enjoy a cool and comfortable summer. Not only will you save money, but you will also contribute to a more sustainable future and help your cooperative continue to provide high-quality electric service to all members. 