It seems like every summer is the hottest summer we’ve seen in decades, doesn’t it? This one is, unfortunately, no different. If you’re anything like me, when that heat hits the upper 80’s and 90’s sometimes all you want to do is blast the air conditioner and several fans simultaneously as you sit in front of the open fridge and try not to melt.
It’s okay, you can justify a few days spent inside this summer. You have to. The heat can be exhausting.
But unfortunately, the more time you spend inside, the higher that power bill gets. And we’ve all got a breaking point where our bank account just starts weeping silently and repeatedly asks us, “Why? Why are you doing this to me?”
But have no fear, because I have tips! Tips that can save you some big bucks this summer by helping to reduce your energy usage.
Close the blinds – This seems kind of obvious, but sometimes we forget that more sun leaking into your place means more heat. Invest in a nice set of curtains for one of those off days where you decide to spend the day lounging and watching movies. I promise, a darker apartment = a cooler apartment, which means you not having to turn the air down that extra two or three notches. Just Energy says that the best temperature to have your thermostat set to this summer is 78 degrees!
Unplug unused appliances – Even I forget this fun little fact that when you’re not using something, you’re still paying for it. So, not using that DVD player? Unplug it. The microwave? Unplug it. Your curling iron and blowdryer? Unplug ‘em both! TXU Energy says the best way to manage this is to use power strips- and simply turn the strip off when the appliances aren’t being used!
More fans, less air conditioning – Your air conditioner raises your bill more than you know! So if it’s on the off chance a cooler day outside, you should try to opt out of turning your air conditioner on and instead power up the fans! It’ll save you a buck and keep you just as cool!
Energy Saving Light Bulbs – They aren’t just good for the environment anymore folks! Energy saving lightbulbs help your wallet too! Throw out the old incandescent bulbs and instead invest in some CFL or LED bulbs, they save power which saves you money- and you can recycle them when they go out! Reliant Energy says that Energy Star motion lights are perfect for outdoor and will save you time and money.
Off-Peak Hour Usage – So this was actually something I just learned about, but apparently there are “peak hours” of usage for power. Meaning everyone in your area uses certain power at a peak hour, and the energy company can charge you more for that. So save your laundry for later in the day, or try to wash the dishes at night rather than in the afternoon. You can contact your local provider to inquire more about the peak hours in your area!
And last but not least, have you contacted your local power provider to see if there are any discounts in your area? Sometimes different companies have promotions that you may qualify for.
CPS Energy has several events this summer where you can learn about savings and promos as well as different tips on saving energy in the San Antonio Area!
