A summer heat wave can be upsetting, but even worse is coming home to an energy bill that’s through the roof. Everyone deserves to enjoy the warmth of a sunny day without worrying about increasing utility bills, and that’s why we have compiled this list of tips to help you reduce your electric and gas bills during hot weather.
1. Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
Home appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators use energy when running. Make sure all your appliances are energy efficient and up-to-date, so they don’t consume too much electricity or gas. Consider replacing older AC models with Energy Star-certified ones for the most savings.
To know if an appliance is energy efficient, check the yellow Energy Guide label. This will tell you how much electricity or gas the appliance uses compared to similar models. Also, hire an HVAC technician to maintain your appliances properly by cleaning air filters, replacing belts, and checking for loose wiring. This will help them run more efficiently and lower your energy costs.
2. Seal the Opening and Use Insulation
During summer, air conditioners and fans are used to keep cool. This can lead to much energy escaping through windows, doors, or even cracks in the walls. Ask a professional to seal off any openings around your house so that cooled air stays inside and cannot escape. This can be done using caulk or weather stripping.
Additionally, check the insulation in your home and have it replaced where necessary. This will help keep air conditioners from running too often, reducing energy costs.
3. Invest in a Programmable Thermostat
You can use a programmable thermostat to regulate the temperature of a room during different times of the day. For example, you can set it to raise the temperature during the day when nobody is home and lower it slightly an hour or two before your return.
This way, you will be able to save energy without having to sacrifice comfort. You can even set the thermostat to turn off the air conditioning completely at night, allowing you to save energy and money while you sleep.
Another advantage of a programmable thermostat is that it is also adjustable. You can set it to automatically adjust the temperature of a room based on external temperatures or scheduled times. This lets you save energy and money without manually changing the settings.
4. Use Ceiling Fans
Not only do ceiling fans look great, but they can also help reduce energy costs. Ceiling fans use much less energy than air conditioners, and they are great for circulating the air in a room, making it feel cooler without changing the temperature.
Ceiling fans are especially useful with high ceilings since most air conditioners have difficulty reaching higher areas.
5. Change Your Lighting
The type of light bulbs you use makes a big difference in your energy costs. Incandescent bulbs consume more energy and need to be replaced more often than LED or CFL bulbs, which are much more efficient. Investing in LED and CFL bulbs will save you money on electricity bills and reduce the cost of replacements due to their longer lifespans.
Be sure to install dimmer switches in areas where lights tend to remain on for extended periods. This way, you can adjust the light used based on your needs. You can also install motion sensors on outdoor lights and set them to switch off after a certain amount of time, preventing the need for constant energy consumption.
6. Unplug Electronics When Not in Use
Most electronics, like TVs and game consoles, continue to draw power even when turned off. This results in higher energy costs. Unplugging unnecessary electronics is a great way to prevent phantom power from costing you more money monthly.
It is also important to be aware of any other appliances or gadgets you keep plugged in, such as phone chargers and hair dryers. These devices use very little electricity, but leaving them plugged in will add up over time.
7. Ensure Regular Maintenance
Maintaining your HVAC system regularly is essential to ensure it runs efficiently. Have a qualified technician check your air conditioner, furnace, and heat pump. This will help identify potential problems and prevent them from worsening over time, saving you money on repairs and energy bills.
In addition, make sure that all filters are clean and changed as necessary. Dirty air filters can restrict airflow, causing the system to work harder than necessary. Cleaning or replacing these filters can significantly reduce electricity costs. For instance, professionals like Comfort Zone Heating & Air Conditioning provide HVAC maintenance for Cobourg, Ontario, residents and those in the surrounding areas.
8. Use Curtains or Blinds
Blocking heat from the sun is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to keep your house cool during the summer. Using curtains or blinds to block direct sunlight from entering your home is one of the best ways to reduce energy costs.
These window treatments can help keep a room cooler by blocking out the heat before it enters, allowing air conditioners to run more efficiently. For an added benefit, invest in curtains with thermal lining that provides extra insulation to keep heat from coming in through windows.
9. Have an Energy Audit
An energy audit is a comprehensive evaluation of your home’s energy use to identify areas where you can make changes to save money. A qualified professional will measure the insulation levels, inspect windows and doors for air leaks, and evaluate appliances to determine if they run efficiently.
This way, you can pinpoint any issues causing higher electricity bills and take steps to correct them. An energy audit can be a great investment, as it helps you reduce energy costs and increase your home’s value.
10. Choose Renewable Energy Sources
Switching to renewable energy sources like solar power is a great way to reduce electricity bills. Solar energy can provide clean and efficient electricity without burning fossil fuels. Investing in solar panels or wind turbines can help you save money on your monthly utility bills while reducing your carbon footprint.
Additionally, keep an eye out for any government initiatives that are available to help reduce energy costs. For example, in Ontario, if you qualify for the free Energy Affordability Program, you might be able to manage your energy use and save hundreds of dollars a year without sacrificing your comfort.
Saving money on energy costs can be challenging, especially during the summer when temperatures rise. Following these tips and investing in renewable energy sources can help you reduce electricity bills while keeping your home comfortable.
At Comfort Zone Heating & Air Conditioning in Cobourg, Ontario, we provide quality HVAC services, plumbing services, HVAC maintenance plans, and indoor air quality solutions, among other services. We are dedicated to providing our customers with the best products and services and offer 24/7 emergency service. Contact us today to experience service excellence and exceptional customer care.
