Tips to Save on Summer Bills

Summer’s here—and so is the record-breaking heat. If your electric bill is skyrocketing thanks to the hotter temperatures, there are a few things you can do to keep your budget in check. By following the tips below, you’ll be able to stay comfortable and happy all summer long:

• Get your HVAC unit serviced: Your friendly HVAC contractor is standing by to help you through the worst of the summer heat—but the savviest customers will get their HVAC units serviced in the spring and fall, before summer heat and winter cold get too dramatic. Setting a twice-yearly appointment is the best way to ensure that your air conditioner is in good working order. If you need any repairs, you’ll know long before the triple-digit temperatures set in.
• Close your windows and doors early: Generally, temperatures cool down at night and start heating up well before noon. Keep your windows open at night to let air circulate in your home, but plan to close them around 9 or 10 AM. You’ll get to air out your home and escape the worst of the heat.
• Run large appliances at night: Your dishwasher, washing machine and other major appliances can give off a lot of heat. Try not to run them during the day, as that will heat up your home with no way for the hot air to escape. Instead, save them to run at night after the sun has gone down and you can open your windows.
• Set your thermostat to a reasonable temperature: You might love a 68-degree home, but that’s often not feasible in the summer. Try setting your thermostat a little higher than you’d normally have it. That way, your air conditioner won’t work overtime—which is often futile in the worst of the heat.
• Turn down your water heater: Most water heaters are set to 140 degrees. In the summer, turn the water temperature down to 120. It’s still hot enough to shower, do dishes and more, but you won’t spend extra money heating the water.
• Don’t run the oven if possible: Summer is not the season to get into baking shows—at least, not if you want to keep your air conditioning bills low. Running the oven is a surefire way to heat up your already too-hot house. Try grilling instead. If you absolutely must run the oven, do it late at night or in the early morning, so you have time to air out your home.
• Wash laundry in cold water: Washing laundry in cold water will save money on hot water—and in many cases, it’s better for your clothes, too. You can also take advantage of the heat and sunshine by drying your laundry outdoors.
• Seal doors and windows: Finally, make sure you’re not paying to air condition the entire neighborhood. Seal up your doors and windows with weatherstripping so the cold air stays inside where it belongs.

When you need the services of an HVAC contractor, call PlumbSmart Plumbing Heating and Air today to schedule an appointment.