Summer is here and along with it comes hot, humid days. In South Carolina, most people are used to the heat and take advantage of the warm weather by spending time outdoors by the pool, the lake, or the beach. But while there are some enjoyable things that come along with the high temperatures, there are also some unpleasant things–namely, a spike in your power bill. So what can you do to stay cool in your home without breaking the bank? The residential electricians at Polk Electric have some tips to help you save money on those summertime energy bills.
- Invest in a programmable thermostat. Your air conditioning makes up one of the biggest parts of your power bill. What makes it worse is the fact that it’s running even when you aren’t there. While you may think this is the only way to make sure you come home to a cool house, there are ways you can have the best of both worlds. Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the best ways to regulate the temperatures at your house, no matter the day or the time. A residential electrician can put one in for you and show you how to get the most savings for your home.
- Use energy-efficient items whenever possible. Choosing a particular thermostat is an intentional way to save money. But there are many other ways to pinch pennies around your home. There are energy-efficient options for all types of household items. From appliances to light bulbs, you can save little bits of money here and there by lowering your overall energy usage. It may not seem like a lot of savings at first, but it definitely will add up over time.
- Reduce the amount of sunlight that enters your home. It may seem old-fashioned, but finding ways to block sunlight will make a big difference in the interior temperature of your home. Figure out which rooms get the most sun during the hottest part of the day. Invest in light-blocking curtains or blinds and your home will be cooler, reducing the amount of power your A/C needs to consume.
Want to learn more about how you can save money on your summertime power bill? Talk to a residential electrician at Polk Electric. Thanks to our broad range of electrical services, we can make recommendations or conduct an energy efficiency audit at your home.
