5 WAYS TO CUT UTILITY COSTS THIS SUMMER

Do a nightly energy sweep to make sure appliances, computers, cable boxes, fans and other electronics not in use are off including associated power supplies and power strips. While a bit inconvenient the savings can add up quickly.

Change out incandescent light bulbs for more efficient options. According to Energy.gov, compared to traditional incandescents, energy efficient alternatives such as halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light emitting diodes (LEDs) use about 25%-80% less energy than traditional incandescents, saving you money each month and they last 3-25 times longer. While initially more expensive, over time you achieve remarkable savings. With this, we recommend you do your homework. Take time and shop around for the best prices and options for your budget. We found a wide range of pricing online and in stores for identical products.

Make sure your attic space is properly ventilated. In summer, heat build-up in your attic can cause your air conditioner to run 3 to 4 times longer to achieve desired living space temperatures. This can significantly impact electricity usage each month and reduce the life of your air conditioning units, due to added wear and tear. Learn more about attic ventilation here.

Install a wholehouse fan to reduce air conditioner use. Installed properly, a wholehouse fan can exchange all the air in your home in a matter of minutes. Used in the morning when it is cool helps keep your home cool while you are gone during the day. Used in the evening, a wholehouse fan can quickly exhaust stagnant warm air and replace it with cool evening air, further reducing air conditioner usage at night. Be sure the wholehouse fan is properly sized to your home. Learn more about wholehouse fans here.

Reduce air leaks in your home. According to the EPA, the cumulative effect of small air leaks in your home can equate to leaving a window open all year. Use foam seal, calk or strips from the hardware store to block gaps and cracks around windows, doorframes, and around holes in walls where pipes enter and exit your home.