When summer heats up, our electric bills tend to increase as air conditioners are working overtime, driving up home energy consumption. As your local, member-owned electric cooperative, we are committed to helping you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
As the temperatures get hotter over the new few months, we want to make sure you know about our range of energy-saving offerings designed specifically with you in mind. By taking advantage of these tips and services, you can manage your summer energy consumption and costs.
The Great Air Escape
There are so many places in your home that may be letting comfortable air out and uncomfortable air in. Often times, the culprit is cracks and crevices in doorways, windows, exterior wall/floor joins or wall/ceiling joins, ductwork for HVAC, piping coming in from the floor, etc. As you head to the store, grab an effective roll of insulation to put around your doors and windows. A tube of caulk/sealant to seal in those crevices and some HVAC foil tape to put around the floor joint of your air duct from the register. Small, inexpensive efforts will make such a difference in how much of your A/C or heat is escaping.
Unplug & Turn Off
With so many appliances and gadgets to make our lives easier - or harder - consider unplugging those that are not being used. Often times, that radio in your son's room, the Bluetooth/phone that's fully charged, but still plugged-in, the crockpot on the counter that's plugged and ready for a quick dinner, the rechargeable battery that's fully charged but still plugged-in in the garage...all these devices are using "stand by" power.
And do not forget to turn off your lights and fans. If you are still using incandescent bulbs, one 60-watt bulb on for 8 hours each day for a year is adding $20 to your utility bill annually. Switching to an LED bulb will increase your savings.
Rebates!
When you make upgrades or purchases to reduce home energy use, those smart decisions should be rewarded. Wayne-White Electric offers rebates on energy efficient heat pump heating and cooling equipment, geothermal systems, mini-split heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric outdoor equipment, and more. Why not save a little money up front to help yourself save money in the long run on your electric bill. Visit waynewhitecoop.com to learn more.
You Have the Power
Small actions combined can have a big impact on summer energy bills.
The best way to lower energy use during summer months is to raise the thermostat to the highest setting that is comfortable. Ceiling fans can also help you feel cooler but remember to turn them off when you leave the room. On summer nights, fire up the grill to keep additional heat out of the kitchen. Remember to change air filters often so your cooling system does not work harder than necessary.
Do not let energy bills take a toll on your summer fun. Wayne-White Electric is here to help manage your energy use, whether through efficiency programs and services or energy-saving advice from your local electric cooperative.