Summertime isn’t all fun and games. Your AC often needs to work overtime to keep the place cool, leading to spikes in your energy bills. To make matters worse, it increases the risk of outages, which drastically reduces your safety and comfort.
Thankfully, there are ways to avoid power outages due to excessive electricity consumption. From using lower AC settings to installing window shades, a number of tweaks can keep your grid in great shape.
Tip 1 – Use Lower AC Setting Whenever Possible
Scorching daytime temperatures plague many areas, but it’s not so bleak at night. You should be able to cope with nighttime temperatures without your AC if they drop to a certain level. If not, try to lower the setting during this period. You’ll do your monthly budget and the town’s electrical grid a favor.
Tip 2 – Put on Shades
Most of the heat comes from the outside. So, what can you do to keep it from entering? While there’s no way to block external heat completely, window shades go a long way in keeping the place cool.
You can also use them while you’re at work, not just when you’re home. By the time you come back, the home will have warmed up to a lesser degree.
Tip 3 – Clean or Replace HVAC Filters
As your HVAC filters purify indoor air, they trap various contaminants — including dust and pollen. Heavy build-up keeps your device from working as efficiently, which can increase your summer electricity consumption. Clean them according to the manufacturer’s instructions to return them to their former glory.
However, keep in mind that cleaning filters is only a temporary solution. They may have suffered too much wear and tear, so you may need to replace them. As a general rule of thumb, you should swap old filters for new ones every three months.
Key Takeaways:
- Don’t set your AC below 68°F and use “fan only” mode when possible.
- Remember that electric lighting, laundry machines, and washing machines all contribute heat.
- Also consider upgrading an old electrical panel and installing a generator to protect against outages.
“We know plenty about electrical use in summer.”
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