Even if you’ve gone solar, it’s a good idea to be aware of your electric usage, especially as more objects turn to advanced technology. As your usage skyrockets during these extremely hot summers, now’s the perfect time to start cutting back, even if you have a solar system! Let’s take a look at the ways in which you can reduce your electric bill or your electric usage.
Lights
Turn your lights (and your TV) off when not using them. Light-emitting diodes (LED) bulbs last the longest and use less energy, too! They last even longer than than compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs, which last 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. It’s all fairly simple, but once you start these habits, you won’t notice until you see your electric bill start to decrease!
Air Conditioning
Pull down blinds or pull curtains closed during the sunniest parts of the day to decrease the amount of heat production in your home. Increasing air flow in your home will decrease your air conditioner’s energy consumption, and you can use fans to that! Ceiling fans that run counter-clockwise turn hot air up and out, as opposed to clockwise, which holds hot air in. Strategically place standing fans around your home to direct air to where you want it to go. Keeping your air vents open helps circulate the air properly, too. Lastly, turn the thermostat up to where it’s still comfortable enough for you during these hot days. You can also raise the temperature before you leave the home and can even use a smart thermostat to do so. Be sure to keep your air conditioner clean, too, including its filters, coils, and fins.
Cooking
Your oven will drastically heat your kitchen and make your air conditioner work overtime. Grill out or use a slow cooker outside to reduce heat in the home. You can also use a microwave oven, if you have one for, for small portions. You can also prepare cold foods, too, which are perfect for cooling down during the summer.
Laundry
Laundry can take a lot of electricity, especially for families who go through a lot of clothes. It seems like it’s all sports uniforms! Most of your washing machine’s energy consumption comes from heating the water, so use cold water settings. It reduces color bleed anyway! If you can, hang your clothes outdoors during these warm weather seasons.
Get Outside
The best way to cut back on electric consumption is to be outside and be active because you won’t be inside using electricity!
What electricity you do use, you can always produce with solar energy. That way, you don’t have to worry too much about those pesky electric bills adding up.