5 More Ways to Reduce Your Electricity Bill This Summer

Last month on our blog, we talked about ways to cut your summer air conditioning costs. However, it’s important to remember that your AC bills are tied directly to your larger energy usage, which is why it’s key to consider your larger electrical system, too. Between increased AC usage, time indoors streaming and enjoying entertainment during heatwaves, as well as the costs of lighting your outdoor property and potentially even heating your pool, it’s possible for your summer electrical expenses to spiral out of control. Fortunately, our skilled electricians are here to keep that from happening. Read on for our top 5 ways to reduce your electricity bill this summer, and remember to call Roby Services for all your electrical needs.

5 Easy Ways to Cut Your Summer Electricity Costs

1. Turn Down the Temperature on Your Water Heater: A lot of people don’t know this, but you can actually adjust the temperature setting on your water heater to suit seasonal and comfort-related needs. The standard setting for most water heaters is 140 degrees. However, by turning the temperature down to 120 degrees at the height of summer, you can reduce your energy costs by as much as 10%! This is also a good idea practically, since most people don’t even want to take a piping hot shower when it’s already brutally warm out.
2. Wait Until Nighttime to Use Your Appliances: When the temperature reaches its peak point of the day, your air conditioner may have to work harder to cool your whole home. The last thing you want to do is force it to work even harder by using heat-generating appliances. By waiting until the sun sets to use your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher, you can reduce your energy costs without sacrificing on comfort. You should also try to run your washer and dryer on cold water, to maximize your saving potential.
3. Take Your Cooking Outside as Much as Possible: Your oven and stove can create a lot of unnecessary heat during the summer, using a ton of extra energy over the course of just a few months. Given that summer is the time to fire up the grill anyway, you should consider cooking outside whenever you can. This will save you money while giving you an opportunity to enjoy great food in the fresh air.
4. Switch to LED Lightbulb: While this applies at all times of the year, if you have not switched to LED lightbulbs throughout your house, you should really make the upgrade. Up to 90% of the energy generated by traditional incandescent lightbulbs can be pure heat, meaning you are wasting a ton of money to make your house less comfortable. LED lightbulbs use 75% less energy, last 50% longer, and help keep your electrical bills low while still providing you with an efficient and effective light source.
5. Unplug Your Electronics When You’re Not Using Them: A great way to cutdown on electrical costs at any time of the year is to turn off lights and electrical equipment when it is not in use. However, this holds particularly true for summertime, when kids are prone to spend more time online and everyone escapes the heat by enjoying entertainment. You can take energy-saving a step further not just by turning your electronics off, but by fully unplugging them when they are not in use. While a ton of people don’t realize it, there are many common household items that generate electricity 24/7. This includes things like clocks and lights, as well as chargers—even when they are not charging anything. While you do not have to do this with every electrical device in your house, consider at least unplugging the non-essential ones when they are not needed, and also use surge protectors and turn off wall switches to ensure that your electronics are not constantly draining power.

For more electrical tips or to schedule service, call Roby Services at (980) 308-0200. You can also contact us online.