10 Tips for a Lower Energy Bill this Summer

Tips to Lower Your Energy Bill and Save Money this Summer

One of my favorite things about summertime is my Low Energy Bills.

As someone who works with a budget, most of my big financial goals are pushed off until summer because I am more likely to afford it then.

I got my braces, which I paid for out of pocket, right before the weather started to get warm. I wanted to have the entire stretch of warm weather to lower my expenses in every way I could to pay off my braces. Within 14 months, I managed to pay off the entire thing (totaling $4500)- on a low income.

While my energy bills go up to about $500 per month in the winter, they stay around $100 in the summer. That’s a dramatic difference. And I try to use it to my advantage every summer.

These 10 Tips for a Lower Energy bill this summer are all based on finding ways to unplug. They are simple and can even be used all year long, depending on where you live.

1

Turn off lights when not in use.

It is the trivial things that add up when it comes to bills in general. For an energy bill, lights are one of the many things that can skyrocket a bill.

To cut back, I make it a habit to turn off lights that I am not currently using. For example:

• Finished cooking and cleaning up the kitchen? Turn off the lights.
• Are you all done in the bathroom? Turn off the fan and the light.

Make sure you state the rule to anyone you live with as well.

2

Use LED Lights throughout your home.

Further, you can lower your energy bill a little -or a lot- by exchanging all the fluorescent light bulbs for LED lights.

According to research, LED lights are at least 50% more energy-efficient than fluorescent bulbs.

They:

• Produce brighter lights
• Durable
• Shatterproof
• Mercury-free.

That’s a whole lot of benefits wrapped up in a bulb.

Did I mention that you can find LED bulbs at the dollar store? And that you only need to use one instead of two inside of those ‘boob’ looking lights?

When I first made the switch from a one-bedroom apartment to a house, changing out the light bulbs was one of the first things I did to cut back on my expenses.

The move itself was costing me more money than living in an apartment. So, I had to take precautions to cut back on additional expenses early.

My income did not grow with the move.

3

Turn off fans and ACs before leaving your home.

Now I know that you want to go back home to a cooled house and not a sauna but if you want a lower Energy Bill in the summer, limiting your use of fans and air conditioners is one of my biggest tips.

It takes 15 minutes for a space to start cooling down once you turn on the AC. You can either wait those few minutes or use electrical timer controls as a medium between your air conditioners and the outlet. Set the timer to turn it on 30 mins to an hour before you arrive home so that your space can begin to cool down before you get there.

Rather than leaving it on the entire time, find ways to reduce the time and thus your bill.

4

Keep Refrigerator close

Although this is universal knowledge, not everyone knows that your refrigerator burns more energy when it is open versus close.

Your fridge uses more energy to combat any heat coming in when you open the door.

Meaning, in the summer, your fridge needs to work twice as hard to combat the flow of warm air coming in.

So yes, keeping the refrigerator door closed, especially in the summer, saves you money on your energy bill.

5

Spend more time outdoors instead of watching TV

Imagine saying all winter that you can’t wait for summer, only to do the same things you did all winter. Hmmm

Spending time outdoors soaking up the sun, breathing in some fresh air, tending to the garden, or teaching the kids to ride their new bikes saves you money and is more fun than watching TV.

A TV costs you more than just the money you pay for it in stores. You still must pay for energy usage every time you choose to watch it.

6

Do fuller laundry Loads.

This one is straightforward.

Summer laundry is a lot less bulky than winter laundry. Therefore, more can go into one washing session. Make use of this and cut down on washing time plus hot water supply to save on energy use.

7

Hang Laundry to Dry Outdoor

After washing your laundry, hang as much of it as you can outdoors.

It does not have to be directly under the sunlight to dry.

So, if you do not have a backyard, you can get creative and put hanging lines on your balcony and hang your laundry to dry that way.

Quick DIY

I use cheap heavy-duty ropes from Walmart (check the weight limit) and large D-clips to create lines for hanging laundry.

Just measure out the length you need, make loops in both ends of the rope for the D-clips, and attached them to a secure spot.

You do not need to hang everything outside. Just items you are comfortable with, such as:

• Curtains
• Jeans
• Shirt
• Sheets
• Blankets, etc.

Small items such as socks and underwear can go into the dryer if you prefer more privacy.

9

Ditch the treadmill for a walk or run around the neighborhood

If you use a treadmill to walk or run at home, try switching it up for a walk or run around the park.

Everyone can use a change in scenery from time to time. Plus, you can drag along the family for fun, fit afternoon walks to take them away from the TV for a while.

10

Replace Blankets with Top sheet

Finally, Top sheets and throw blankets are great ways to give you the comfort of being covered while you sleep without the need to crank up the AC on High.

A lowered AC means lower energy usage.

Summer is a wonderful time to have fun with life AND your budget. Get creative and find ways to cut down on your use of energy.

But make sure that you are putting the money you saved to effective use. Learn that new skill, pay off some debt, or build your emergency fund.

Pin me ↓