How to control your energy bills when it’s hot outside
Though we yearn for the warm, sunny days of summer, when the first heat wave hits we are scrambling to lower the rising temperatures that creep indoors.
Here are a few tips to help you keep cool this summer without driving up your electric bill:
Use ceiling fans the right way. Did you know the base of your ceiling fan has a small switch that changes the direction of the air flow. During the summer, the blades should turn counterclockwise, forcing air down to help you feel cooler.
Fire up the grill. Take cooking duties outside so the stove and oven do not add more heat to an already warm house.
Don’t let the sunshine in. You can reduce the temperature by up to 15 degrees with blackout shades, blinds, or window tint film.
Open windows at night to create a cross-breeze. Crack a window on the main floor and open a window on the second floor on the opposite side of the house with a fan that draws the air out. Because heat rises, you will feel cooler.
Switch to a high-efficiency heat pump. Heat pumps provide air conditioning to keep your home comfortable in the hotter months, while significantly reducing your home energy bill year-round.
The largest part of your home’s electricity use comes from heating and cooling appliances. Rebates from PenLight can help you upgrade to more efficient technologies, saving you money and electricity for years to come. Check out PenLight’s heat pump rebates on our Rebate Programs page.