power costs

Your home air conditioning unit and refrigerator are probably working overtime these days, as the summer season peaks. Here are some cost-saving tips to bring down your electricity bill even in this hot weather.

Check how efficient you’re using energy at home

One of the first things you need to do is assess the integrity of your electrical system and the efficiency in using energy inside your home. You may not realize it, but you’re sending money down the drain just because you’re wasting electricity.

Keep indoor climate intact

Maintaining the temperature inside your home may involve heater systems or air conditioning units, but you can improve the energy efficiency by making sure that external factors aren’t affecting your indoor climate.

Here are some practical ways to keep the temperature stable inside your house:

  • Close your doors and windows as often as possible.
  • Seal any cracks and gaps in windows and doors.
  • Add window curtains to filter out sunlight or the outdoor atmosphere.

Use alternatives to cooling systems

In some cases, the ambient temperature is still bearable and you may not need to turn on the AC. One cheap alternative is to install and use a ceiling fan.

Consider adjusting the thermostat up

Are you sure you need freezing cold temperatures to survive the summer? One technique to save on power costs is to turn up the thermostat to the highest possible temperature that you can handle. You can actually save roughly 10 percent a year if you set the thermostat at least 10 degrees higher.

Use natural light

If temperature is not a problem with you, try to save on electricity by using the natural illumination of the outdoors. Open up your curtains to let the sunlight in and brighten your house.

You may also consider installing a roof light – that is, converting a portion of your roof and ceiling into thick transparent glass. This allows natural light to come into your home while still being protected by the outdoor elements.

Switch to energy efficient lighting

Summer is the perfect time to change your light bulbs because most of the day is naturally illuminated anyway. If you’re still using old incandescent bulbs, replace them with CFL or LED lamps. This can actually reduce your electricity bill for lighting by more than half.

Final Tip on Power Costs

Regardless of the season, using electricity efficiently can let you save significantly on power costs. Don’t miss out on this last tip: turn off any electrical appliances when not in use. A lot of people disregard this simple act, but it can really cut down your electricity expense.

You may tap us at Wire Craft Electric, and we’ll be more than happy to check the energy use in your house.