Insider Pro Tips: Save On Your Electric Bill This Summer

Summer often brings increased electricity usage due to higher temperatures and the need to keep cool. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to reduce your electric bill without sacrificing comfort. Here are some practical tips to help you save on your electric bill this summer:

1. Optimize Your Air Conditioning

Set the Thermostat Wisely: Keep your thermostat at the highest comfortable setting. The Department of Energy recommends setting it to 78°F (25°C) when you’re at home and higher when you’re away.

Use a Programmable Thermostat: A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule, saving energy when you’re not at home.

Maintain Your AC Unit: Regularly clean or replace air filters and schedule annual maintenance to ensure your air conditioner runs efficiently.

Use Fans to Supplement Cooling: Ceiling and portable fans can help circulate cool air, making it feel cooler without lowering the thermostat. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room.

2. Improve Home Insulation

Seal Leaks: Check for and seal any leaks around windows, doors, and ductwork to prevent cool air from escaping.

Add Insulation: Proper insulation in your attic and walls can significantly reduce cooling costs by keeping hot air out and cool air in.

3. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Models: Consider replacing old appliances with Energy Star-rated models that use less electricity.

Run Appliances During Off-Peak Hours: Use energy-intensive appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during early morning or late evening hours when demand is lower.

Unplug Unused Electronics: Many electronics draw power even when turned off. Unplug devices or use power strips to easily disconnect multiple items at once.

4. Manage Natural Light

Close Blinds and Curtains: Keep blinds or curtains closed during the hottest part of the day to block out direct sunlight and reduce the need for air conditioning.

Use Reflective Window Film: Reflective or tinted window film can reduce heat gain through windows, keeping your home cooler.

5. Adopt Energy-Saving Habits

Switch to LED Bulbs: LED light bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and produce less heat.

Limit Oven Use: Using the oven can heat up your home. Opt for the microwave, stovetop, or outdoor grill instead.

Take Shorter Showers: Hot showers add humidity to your home, making it harder to cool. Shorter, cooler showers can help reduce this effect.

6. Leverage Natural Ventilation

Utilize Nighttime Cooling: Open windows and use fans to draw in cooler evening air and expel hot air. Close windows and blinds in the morning to trap the cool air inside.

Create Cross-Ventilation: Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a cross-breeze that can help cool your home naturally.

7. Regular Maintenance and Checks

Inspect and Clean Vents: Ensure that vents are clean and unobstructed to allow for proper airflow and efficient cooling.

Check Insulation on Ductwork: Insulated ductwork prevents energy loss and helps maintain cool air as it travels through your home.

8. Explore Renewable Energy Options

Consider Solar Panels: If feasible, installing solar panels can reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your electricity costs over time.

Utilize Solar-Powered Devices: Solar-powered fans, lights, and chargers can reduce your electricity usage.

By implementing these tips, you can enjoy a comfortable and cool summer while keeping your electric bill in check. Small changes can lead to significant savings, making a big difference in your overall energy costs. Stay cool and save money!

I hope this information was helpful! If you are considering buying or selling a home, I would love to talk to you. I am a seasoned agent with over 23 years of experience in the local real estate market. I would love to be able to get you the financial result you desire from your current home to get you in to that Dream Home! Don’t hesitate to call me anytime at 260-579-1516 or you can email me at mike@mikearchbold.com. 

Why Does RE/MAX Results Stand Out Among the Competition?

Simply put: Relationships. We pride ourselves not only in our professional service but more importantly in the personal touch we bring to our business. Has an agent/lawyer/contractor/vendor ever treated you like you were just another paycheck? The reason our clients come back time and again and refer all their friends and family to us is because they know we are part of the family.

Genuinely caring about the people we serve enables us to do things other agencies can’t. Rest assured, we will ALWAYS have your best interest at heart and work vigorously to get you the best deal possible on your home or business. The relationships we build with our clients enable us to work 100% by referral.

The reason we are able to give top notch service to our clients is because our clients refer us a constant stream of quality family and friends to assist in their real estate needs. While other agents are out making cold calls and chasing “potential” leads, we are freed up by our referral base to service our clients like no other broker can. We are never too busy for your referrals!

Want to experience the difference for yourself? Call or text me today at 260-579-1516.

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Are you or someone you know considering a home purchase? Don’t hesitate to call or text me, Michael Archbold, at 260-579-1516 and I will connect you with the best mortgage professionals in the business who can get you your score, discuss ways to improve it if necessary, and put you on the path to home ownership. Click here to read more about our Buyer Services. Click here to browse listings NOW! Looking to sell your home? Call today to set up an appointment to begin developing your customized marketing plan. Click here to read more about our Seller Services.

Hoosier Home Listings by RE/MAX Results is a full service real estate Web site serving Northeast Indiana. We assist residential and commercial clients in locating, buying, and selling real property in the State of Indiana including but not limited to the counties of Allen, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Whitley, Wabash, Kosciusko, Noble, Dekalb, Lagrange, Steuben and cities including Fort Wayne, Decatur, Bluffton, Huntington, Warsaw, Columbia City, Butler, and Angola. RE/MAX Results is an Equal Housing Opportunity company.

The consummate professional, Michael Archbold (Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro) brings a diversified background to the world of real estate. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Mike graduated Wayne High School in 1992. He received bachelors degrees in Accounting in 1997 from Indiana University and Information Technology in 2005 from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mike comes to Re/MAX with more than 20 years of experience in sales and accounting. He began his career in real estate in 2000 as an investor.