Summer is officially here. It’s time for grilling, pool parties and trips to the beach! But with summer’s arrival come increased energy bills. So we’ve put together some tips to help you keep the fun but lower the bill!

YOUR THERMOSTAT:

• Keep your air on only as high as you need it. Your goal should be to get the indoor temperature as close as possible (and comfortable) to the outside temperature.
• When you leave the house, turn the air off or down; if you’re not there, there’s no reason to be running it!
• Use shades or blinds to keep the sunlight out during the day, reducing the temperature of your home.
• Using ceiling fans can cost a good deal less than your air conditioner, but can make you feel 3-4 degrees cooler. But make sure that you turn off the fans when you leave the room; they won’t do any good if you’re not there!

APPLIANCES:

• This is when a slow cooker is an excellent option! Eating raw foods (like salads, sandwiches, etc.) or using tools like slow cookers and microwaves rather than the stove will reduce the temperature in your house. A cooler house means using the air conditioner less!
• Unplug anything that you’re not using – lamps, television, printer, etc. Even plugged in electronics can utilize power.
• Wash your laundry in cool water as much as you can. Washing and drying full loads will also require less time and utilize less energy.

MISC:

• Make sure all your windows and door are completely insulated. If not, you could be losing valuable cool air. Many times, foam and calking can be an easy fix for leaks.
• If you own a pool, only run the pump the minimum required hours. Not only will you reduce the amount of money spent, you’ll also extend the life of your pump.
• Showers can use up to 30 percent of your hot water costs; taking cooler showers can greatly reduce that percentage!

Little things really can add up to make a big difference in your monthly energy bill. So, take advantage of a few of these tips so you can spend your saved money on enjoying summer!