5 Ways to Take the Heat Off Summer Electric Bills

The temperature isn’t the only thing that increases during the summer months in Central Indiana. As the thermometer rises, so does electricity consumption. Here are five ways you can beat the heat and control your monthly electric bills.

1. Draw the Curtains.

Closing curtains, drapes, or blinds on windows receiving direct sunlight reduces heat gain in your home and keeps your air conditioner from running as much on hot summer days.

2. Adjust the Thermostat.

Increasing your home’s thermostat by a couple of degrees when you’re not home can make a difference in your monthly electric bills. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when you’re home in summer months to reduce electricity consumption.

3. Go Off-Peak.

JCREMC offers two rate options with a super off-peak component that rewards consumers with a discount for shifting some electricity use to the hours of 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily when there is less demand for electricity. Running laundry machines and dishwashers and charging electric vehicles during this time can translate to savings. To change your electric rate, call us at 317-736-6174.

4. Consider the Crock Pot.

Opting for small appliances or grilling out instead of using the oven during hot summer days will not only conserve the electricity the oven would otherwise use but also reduce heat gain in your home.

5. Turn on the Fan.

Ceiling fans can keep you comfortable when your thermostat is set to a higher temperature. Just remember that fans cool people, not rooms, so always turn off fans when you leave the room.

Other energy-saving tips include short showers, turning off lights and TVs when you leave a room, washing laundry in cold water, turning down the temperature on electric water heaters, and keeping overhead doors closed as much as possible on attached garages. Unplugging chargers, electronic devices, and small appliances when not in use can also reduce vampire loads, or electricity consumed when appliances are powered off.

Making these simple changes will noticeably reduce your electricity consumption and, ultimately, your electric bill.