Easy Ways To Lower Your Electric Bills
Are you staring down summer heat and the cost of running your AC? There are tons of great ways to lower your electricity bill without resorting to being uncomfortable. But where can you start? Well, let us take you through some of our best summer maintenance tips to cut your electric bills.
De-Ick Your Air Conditioner
Did you know that replacing the air filters for your air conditioner can lower its electricity consumption by as much as 15%? But air filters aren’t the only thing you should clean to keep your AC running at optimum efficiency. Make sure the condenser unit (the big box with the fan that lives outside) is free from debris. Much like a clogged air filter, leaves and muck can extend run times and over the long term, can damage your unit. Hosing dust and dirt out the cooling fins can help it run better. Save money on your electricity and save your AC from early burnout.
Clean Out Your Dryer Vent
You can buy really cool drill attachments that help sweep out your dryer vents. Lint clogs reduce the efficiency of your dryer, which makes your clothes take longer to dry. That’s wasting electricity, and your money. Plus, clogged dryer vents are fire hazards that account for around $84 million in property damage per year. So not only can you save money but also your home!
Prune Back Trees, Save Your Roof
While trees can reduce your electricity bills with shade, they can also do a lot of harm if they aren’t maintained. Tree limbs that rub against your roof can damage and tear off shingles. That’s expensive even at the best of times. Overhanging limbs can also funnel excess water onto your roof, overwhelming gutters and downspouts. The extra water can overflow and cause damage to your foundation. Also be sure to keep bushes and other densely growing plants trimmed back from your home by a foot or more. Overgrown bushes can trap moisture around your home. That makes your AC system run longer to cool your home, adding to your electricity bills.
Unblock Your Gutters to Stay Comfy
Speaking of gutters, similar problem can come from dirt and muck in your gutters. Cleaning your gutters not only helps move water away form your home, it can prevent water damage to your home’s foundation and help keep your basement dryer. Humid air holds more heat than dry air. So reducing humidity in your home helps your AC system will run more efficiently. Plus, reducing humidity in your home will help combat mold and mildew growth.
Flush Your Water Heater
Hard water sediment can build up around the heating elements and at the bottom of the water tank. Not only does sediment cause the water to heat slower it can shorten your water heater’s lifespan. That’s wasting a lot of energy! By giving your water heater a cursory flush every six months or so can you can keep your bills low all year.
Check Doors and Windows to Cut Electric Bills
Your window sills and doors also take a beating during bad weather. Check windows and doors for peeling weather stripping, and rot. Overall, damage contributes to higher bills all year long. Keep insects, weather, and the summer heat out from home by sealing your windows and doors. And be sure to patch or replace damaged sections as needed.
Beat The Heat with Lower Electric Bills This Summer
By using these tricks you can see a reduction in your cooling costs this summer. But these aren’t the only way to save. You can always shop around for a new rate for your electricity. Find the best rates for your home and save at www.njenergyratings.com