Four ways to reduce energy bills this summer
July 2024
Peak time for many electricity providers is noon-6 p.m. (Photo courtesy Shutterstock)
story courtesy of Family Features
With temperatures forecasted to run at least two degrees higher than historical averages across more than half the country, according to projections from AccuWeather, heat waves may lead to soaring air-conditioning bills this summer. Consider these smart, practical, cost-cutting tips for dialing down your energy bills:
SERVICE HVAC SYSTEMS REGULARLY
To ensure the best cooling performance and efficiency possible, find a licensed contractor to keep your heating and cooling system wellmaintained and serviced throughout the year. There are some tasks many homeowners can handle on their own, like keeping outdoor units free of debris and changing air filters. However, bringing in a professional 1-2 times a year for maintenance and to ensure proper function of ductwork and electrical components is also essential.
USE APPLIANCES DURING NON-PEAK HOURS
Rather than using stoves, ovens and clothing dryers in the afternoon hours, consider doing so early in the morning or late in the evening. Peak time for many electricity providers is noon-6 p.m., meaning using appliances that heat up your home outside of this timeframe when conventional heating and cooling systems are likely running full throttle can help lower energy costs.
UPGRADE YOUR SYSTEMS TO AN ENERGY-SAVING HEAT PUMP
The Inflation Reduction Act incentivizes homeowners who opt for energy-efficient HVAC upgrades, including qualified heat pumps, which can boost seasonal energy-efficiency ratios and increase efficiencies. For example, electric heat pumps provide more energy-efficient cooling that may equal cost and energy savings as well as a reduced carbon footprint for homeowners. These systems are equipped with inverter or variablespeed technology that allows systems to automatically ramp up or down the required amount of energy depending on the room’s capacity. Although annual savings vary, some homeowners can save as much as $1,000 per year by switching to an all-electric heat pump.
STOP COOLING EMPTY ROOMS
One mistake many homeowners make is forgetting to adjust their temperature settings when leaving the house. Whether you’re headed to the beach for the weekend or just headed to work for the day, blasting the air conditioner in an empty house can result in unnecessarily high utility bills. Multi-zone, all-electric heat pumps allow homeowners to set the comfort level and adjust the temperature in each room, so you don’t have to waste energy cooling unoccupied rooms. With a smartphone app, you can even adjust the settings remotely