How to Save on Your Electric Bill & Stay Cool This Summer: 10 Tips
Summer may not officially start until June 21, but we’re already experiencing the heat here in Minnesota. Wondering how to save on your electric bill while staying cool this summer? Read on to learn about 10 money-saving tips to help minimize your cooling costs.
1. Set Ceiling Fans to Counterclockwise and Use Them
Ceiling fans can make you feel up to 8 degrees cooler while using a fraction of the energy air conditioners require. When set to rotate counterclockwise, they create a downdraft for a gentle, cooling breeze.
2. Use Portable Fans to Create a Cooling Breeze
In addition to ceiling fans (or instead of if you don’t have one), portable fans can provide an energy-saving cooling alternative. Place them in a window to draw in cool air or use them to create a cross-breeze in your room.
3. Close Curtains and Blinds to Block the Sun
Sunshine entering through windows will naturally add heat to the home. To prevent this, close curtains and blinds during the day.
4. Install Window Film for Additional Protection
For additional protection against the heat of sunshine, consider installing window film. This specialized film can block up to 80% of the sun’s heat, effectively reducing your cooling costs.
5. Use Natural Ventilation Whenever Possible
On cooler days and nights, open windows and doors for natural ventilation. This will also help with air quality by replacing stale indoor air with fresh air from outside. If the weather is forecast to heat up during the day, be sure to close everything in the morning to trap the cool air that came in overnight.
6. Consider a Programmable Thermostat
Programmable thermostats let you pre-set temperature settings several days in advance, and then adjusts itself automatically. Don’t waste money cooling an empty house: Set it to turn the AC completely off or raise the temperature a few degrees when the house is empty, and then have it cool down when you expect to arrive back home.
7. Invest in Insulation
By preventing heat transfer, insulation helps keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter. If your home is poorly insulated, consider adding more insulation to your attic, walls, and floors.
8. Install Light-Colored Roofing Materials
Light-colored roofing materials can help reflect the sun’s heat and keep your home cooler. If you’re in the market for a new roof, consider choosing a light-colored option.
9. Plant Shade Trees
Planting shade trees around your home can help block the sun’s rays and keep your home cooler. However, keep in mind that this is a more costly and long-term solution, and you may prefer natural sunshine inside the home some days. If you do decide to plant shade trees, be careful with where you place them so they don’t block your home’s natural ventilation.
10. Stay Hydrated
Finally, don’t forget to stay hydrated. This is good advice any time of year, but especially during the hot summer months. Drinking plenty of water can help regulate your body temperature and keep you cool on hot days.
Contact Delano Municipal Utilities for All Your Local Utility Needs
Minnesota summers are full of hot and humid days. We all want to stay cool and comfy at home, but we shouldn’t have to break the bank to do so. Utilize these tips to save on your electric bill throughout the summer months.
Delano Municipal Utilities (DMU) is here for all your public power and water needs. Contact us today for assistance or to learn more.