Difference between revisions of "Lower Electricity Bills in the Summer"
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#*Using fans at night will help a natural breeze cool down your house; this will only work if you live in an area that drops in temperature at night. | #*Using fans at night will help a natural breeze cool down your house; this will only work if you live in an area that drops in temperature at night. | ||
#*Turn a fan directly towards yourself or guests if the temperature is very hot. | #*Turn a fan directly towards yourself or guests if the temperature is very hot. | ||
| − | #Use air conditioning efficiently. Set the thermostat to 78, and don't lower it. You can also turn the air conditioning off at night and in the early morning. If you want to invest in an energy efficient air conditioner, these are 10-15% more efficient.<ref>http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-air-conditioners</ref> | + | #Use air conditioning efficiently. Set the thermostat to 78, and don't lower it. You can also turn the air conditioning off at night and in the early morning. If you want to invest in an energy efficient air conditioner, these are 10-15% more efficient.<ref name="rf1">http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-air-conditioners</ref> |
#*The smaller the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures, the smaller your bill. | #*The smaller the difference between the outdoor and indoor temperatures, the smaller your bill. | ||
#*Do not place appliances that give off heat, such as lamps or TVs, near an air conditioner’s thermostat. | #*Do not place appliances that give off heat, such as lamps or TVs, near an air conditioner’s thermostat. | ||
| − | #Use electricity during off-peak hours.<ref>https://www.sce.com/wps/portal/home/business/tools/time-of-use/!ut/p/b1/rVRdk5owFP0rvviY4SYkIXmkrSKsa7Uqq7w4EMKWHflYQbvTX1906LTaEXWmvEAy557knHu4RmCsjCAPD-lrWKdFHm6P64BvPPeLjR1KXEGdIbjDmT97Gj4BYNwA1g0Arjw2nOqxcOyROwdXjH0L3E_OfOZPfZAEjBcjMAKV12X93VhXSm9Ukdc6rzc670P73YdoX6W5rqo-1EWxPb7STPeKpLev9JGgVGlsrJOERMBBIi5NgaggCglBBcIhw1QnkYqxdULvijet6mMJiyIsI8KRkiJCFKhCMhEKWYSEJORMMqFbjR0izjxyFlw0Hi0_jz3pm4BZW98BOPMIrLFs6KffBnIhzWcfLs__F3CjRyePrysYPZstQDowGHlfobnizATXnMFkbtsmAG8BXX3uVDElxrpRYV11YYSN-Z9OArUkJJwhQjAgGoUJCimlSBMW64jEJgXrBqGkDxN6dzQyfXt_D-wmssdoftTG6mpm1b6qi0zvetW-LItds1Pts9O6-cHy116dlk2Qd7pK4wafhttNL9c_WlVXfBzAmU2UEc64pVBkkkYV4QRJqWIEzIxxIpklE3aLkD5M6N2R1_9t0-8BcNn0i7CP-N9q7poH3YQSHib07hiZ99vTOfnKbJkJM0PL5QpSF4WRAJNtD1m2mUxQELHy8HORZC_2Lx9pA08!/dl4/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/</ref> If you plan to use electronics like a washer and dryer, air conditioning, and computers or televisions, try to do so during off-peak hours like early in the morning or late at night. Electrical companies charge less for energy consumed during off-peak hours. | + | #Use electricity during off-peak hours.<ref name="rf2">https://www.sce.com/wps/portal/home/business/tools/time-of-use/!ut/p/b1/rVRdk5owFP0rvviY4SYkIXmkrSKsa7Uqq7w4EMKWHflYQbvTX1906LTaEXWmvEAy557knHu4RmCsjCAPD-lrWKdFHm6P64BvPPeLjR1KXEGdIbjDmT97Gj4BYNwA1g0Arjw2nOqxcOyROwdXjH0L3E_OfOZPfZAEjBcjMAKV12X93VhXSm9Ukdc6rzc670P73YdoX6W5rqo-1EWxPb7STPeKpLev9JGgVGlsrJOERMBBIi5NgaggCglBBcIhw1QnkYqxdULvijet6mMJiyIsI8KRkiJCFKhCMhEKWYSEJORMMqFbjR0izjxyFlw0Hi0_jz3pm4BZW98BOPMIrLFs6KffBnIhzWcfLs__F3CjRyePrysYPZstQDowGHlfobnizATXnMFkbtsmAG8BXX3uVDElxrpRYV11YYSN-Z9OArUkJJwhQjAgGoUJCimlSBMW64jEJgXrBqGkDxN6dzQyfXt_D-wmssdoftTG6mpm1b6qi0zvetW-LItds1Pts9O6-cHy116dlk2Qd7pK4wafhttNL9c_WlVXfBzAmU2UEc64pVBkkkYV4QRJqWIEzIxxIpklE3aLkD5M6N2R1_9t0-8BcNn0i7CP-N9q7poH3YQSHib07hiZ99vTOfnKbJkJM0PL5QpSF4WRAJNtD1m2mUxQELHy8HORZC_2Lx9pA08!/dl4/d5/L2dBISEvZ0FBIS9nQSEh/</ref> If you plan to use electronics like a washer and dryer, air conditioning, and computers or televisions, try to do so during off-peak hours like early in the morning or late at night. Electrical companies charge less for energy consumed during off-peak hours. |
#*It is recommended you wait until after 6 pm to cook, do laundry, or wash dishes on days the temperature is over 90 degrees. | #*It is recommended you wait until after 6 pm to cook, do laundry, or wash dishes on days the temperature is over 90 degrees. | ||
#*Contact your local electrical company for more information on local peak hours. | #*Contact your local electrical company for more information on local peak hours. | ||
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#Contact your local electricity company. The company that provides your area with electricity will vary depending on where you live. If you are new to the area, use a search engine to type in the name of your area and the words “electricity company” to see where your electricity is coming from. | #Contact your local electricity company. The company that provides your area with electricity will vary depending on where you live. If you are new to the area, use a search engine to type in the name of your area and the words “electricity company” to see where your electricity is coming from. | ||
#Ask about discounts you can receive. Often, you can receive help with your bill year-round if you are in a low-income household, on disability, or have a limited income for other reasons. A representative of your electricity company will tell you what discounts are available. | #Ask about discounts you can receive. Often, you can receive help with your bill year-round if you are in a low-income household, on disability, or have a limited income for other reasons. A representative of your electricity company will tell you what discounts are available. | ||
| − | #Participate in a voluntary direct load control program, if available.<ref>http://www.in.gov/oucc/2390.htm#4</ref> These types of programs are widely available in most areas, and involve getting bill credits in exchange for allowing the electricity company to install a control switch on your air conditioner, heater, or other utility. | + | #Participate in a voluntary direct load control program, if available.<ref name="rf3">http://www.in.gov/oucc/2390.htm#4</ref> These types of programs are widely available in most areas, and involve getting bill credits in exchange for allowing the electricity company to install a control switch on your air conditioner, heater, or other utility. |
#*The electricity company will turn the utility off during peak hours. | #*The electricity company will turn the utility off during peak hours. | ||
#*Often, the utility is not shut off for long periods of time. | #*Often, the utility is not shut off for long periods of time. | ||
#*Speak with an electrical company employee for more details. | #*Speak with an electrical company employee for more details. | ||
===Implementing Energy-Saving Products=== | ===Implementing Energy-Saving Products=== | ||
| − | #Use energy efficient light bulbs. Compact fluorescent (CFL) and light emitting diode (LEDs) bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs because they use less energy.<ref>http://www.in.gov/oucc/2390.htm</ref> Your local hardware store will have these bulbs available for purchase. | + | #Use energy efficient light bulbs. Compact fluorescent (CFL) and light emitting diode (LEDs) bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs because they use less energy.<ref name="rf4">http://www.in.gov/oucc/2390.htm</ref> Your local hardware store will have these bulbs available for purchase. |
#*Check lamps and other lights to see if you are using any incandescent bulbs. | #*Check lamps and other lights to see if you are using any incandescent bulbs. | ||
#*[Change a Light Bulb|Replace all the incandescent bulbs]] in your house or office. | #*[Change a Light Bulb|Replace all the incandescent bulbs]] in your house or office. | ||
#*CFL bulbs need to be recycled once they burn out. | #*CFL bulbs need to be recycled once they burn out. | ||
| − | #Use energy efficient appliances. Microwaves, pressure cookers, or outdoor grills use less electricity than stoves and ovens.<ref>http://www.in.gov/oucc/2390.htm#6</ref> You can also use a clothes-line instead of a dryer. When purchasing new products, look for energy efficient options.<ref>http://yourenergysavings.gov.au/energy/appliances-equipment/energy-efficient-appliances/buy-energy-efficient-appliances</ref> | + | #Use energy efficient appliances. Microwaves, pressure cookers, or outdoor grills use less electricity than stoves and ovens.<ref name="rf5">http://www.in.gov/oucc/2390.htm#6</ref> You can also use a clothes-line instead of a dryer. When purchasing new products, look for energy efficient options.<ref name="rf6">http://yourenergysavings.gov.au/energy/appliances-equipment/energy-efficient-appliances/buy-energy-efficient-appliances</ref> |
| − | #[[Insulate Your Home|Check for proper insulation]]. Insulation cuts down on cooling costs because it helps keep cool air inside during the summer. Because insulation requirements have changed over the years, your home or place of work may not have enough insulation. Some types of insulation can be [[Insulate Walls|installed by you]], and others need professional installation.<ref>http://web.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_02.html </ref> | + | #[[Insulate Your Home|Check for proper insulation]]. Insulation cuts down on cooling costs because it helps keep cool air inside during the summer. Because insulation requirements have changed over the years, your home or place of work may not have enough insulation. Some types of insulation can be [[Insulate Walls|installed by you]], and others need professional installation.<ref name="rf7">http://web.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/ins_02.html </ref> |
#*Check for insulation in attics or crawl spaces, making note of areas where there is weathering or gaps in the insulation. | #*Check for insulation in attics or crawl spaces, making note of areas where there is weathering or gaps in the insulation. | ||
| − | #*Checking a wall’s insulation is difficult and requires you to probe an electrical socket.<ref>http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audits</ref> Consult a professional for help. | + | #*Checking a wall’s insulation is difficult and requires you to probe an electrical socket.<ref name="rf8">http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/do-it-yourself-home-energy-audits</ref> Consult a professional for help. |
#*Batts are flexible blanket-like products that fit into spaces of the wall; these can be installed by homeowners. | #*Batts are flexible blanket-like products that fit into spaces of the wall; these can be installed by homeowners. | ||
#*Foam or fiber insulation will need to be installed by a professional. | #*Foam or fiber insulation will need to be installed by a professional. | ||
| − | #Plant shady trees on the west and south sides of your house.<ref | + | #Plant shady trees on the west and south sides of your house.<ref name="rf5" /> This is a more permanent solution to cutting down summer energy costs, and it is only possible if you are a homeowner or if you get permission from your landlord. The shady trees will cut down on cooling costs for your home. |
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== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
*When using the oven or stove, use it as little as possible. | *When using the oven or stove, use it as little as possible. | ||
