Helpful reminders to save on utility bills during warmer summers
According to the non-profit organization, Climate Central, Connecticut’s summers are 2 degrees warmer than in 1970. That translates to more intense heat waves, a longer warm season, and warmer overnights. The rising trend in temperatures may also mean a rising trend in your summer electric bills.
“On average, customers use about 35% more electricity during the summer months,” explains Ricky Jordan with Eversource. Jordan focuses on energy use with Eversource to help customers use energy more efficiently. When it’s hot, he recommends using major appliances like a dishwasher or dryer early in the morning or late in the evening because they give off a lot of heat.
“That’s going to lessen the demand on the electrical system, but also lessen the demand on the air conditioning, which improves the entire quality of the home,” explains Jordan.
Jordan recommends that air conditioning vents be clear of furniture or rugs. He says, “We want to keep the air flowing. It costs a lot of money to condition that air. So we don’t want to spend more than we need to.”
For your thermostat, Jordan recommends setting it to the warmest setting comfort allows.
“For every degree higher on your thermostat, your air conditioner actually uses anywhere from 1% to 3% less electricity,” says Jordan.
Over the span of a summer, that can make a huge difference in your electric bill. Every degree matters as Connecticut experiences a warming trend in its summer.
Other recommendations to save on your summer electric bill include checking your air conditioner’s filters and ensuring the unit is running properly. If you have shades, then close them when the sun is beating down on your home.
Make sure your ceiling fan is rotating counterclockwise to create a breeze. With programmable or “smart” thermostats, you can automatically adjust the temperature to rise when you’re not home. Using a box fan saves a lot more electricity than using an air conditioner. You can also look into utility programs to see if any can help you reduce your bill.
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