When the weather gets hot, most homeowners notice their energy bill increases. Here are a few simple changes to lower utility bills this summer. Save money and stay comfortable with these helpful tips.
Reduce Water Usage
Typically, water usage increases in the warmer months. You may refill the swimming pool, water the lawn, wash your car, or take frequent showers to combat the heat. However, there are things you can do to reduce your consumption.
- If you have a backyard pool, cover it when it’s not in use, so the water doesn’t evaporate in the sun’s heat.
- Only run the dishwasher only when you have a full load.
- Encourage your family to shorten their showers by just a few minutes.
- Water the garden and lawn in the morning so the water has time to seep down to the roots before the sun evaporates the moisture.
Turn Off the AC to Lower Utility Bills in Summer
While air conditioning is helpful during the hottest days of summer, turning the AC unit off for a bit and using fans will save a lot of energy on milder days. Ceiling fans running counter-clockwise push cool air down and generate a wind chill effect that helps people stay comfortable indoors.
Keep the sun’s rays from heating your home by hanging blackout curtains over the windows. Close the curtains during the day when the sun is out and open them again at night. You’ll reduce the temperatures indoors without using the air conditioner.
Wash Laundry in Cold Water
Lower the utility bills this summer by washing your clothes in cold water instead of hot. Modern detergents clean just as well in a cold cycle, and you may find that colors remain brighter longer when you don’t use hot water.
Switch Off the Lights
To reduce energy usage, turn off the lights when you don’t need them. This simple change is an easy thing to overlook. Take advantage of natural light when possible, especially since the daylight hours are longer during the summer. Instead of reading in the living room beside a lamp, take a book outdoors to enjoy on the patio.
Lower Utility Bills in Summer: Unplug Devices
Don’t let your devices – phones, tablets, and computers – continue to sit in a charging station once they are fully charged. Excessively charging devices is an unnecessary energy drain, and unplugging devices and appliances when they’re not in use is an easy way to reduce energy consumption.
Conserving energy doesn’t have to mean a complete lifestyle overhaul. By incorporating just a few simple changes into your daily routine, you’ll save money and help the environment.
GeeGuy’s Inspection Service provides home inspections in the BC Central Interior. Contact us to schedule our services.