5 On Your Side: Strategies to manage cooling costs as energy bills climb - WRAL News

5 On Your Side: Strategies to manage cooling costs as energy bills climb
Local News

5 On Your Side's Keely Arthur shares the 5 steps you can take to keep your bill as low as possible.

Posted 2024-07-10T21:28:40+00:00- Updated 2024-07-10T21:56:41+00:00

5 On Your Side; Saving on your summer electric bill

By Keely Arthur , WRAL consumer reporter

Staying cool can be expensive, with energy bills projected to increase nearly 8% nationwide, translating to an average cost increase of $719 for home cooling.

North Carolina is no stranger to scorching summers, but this year is setting new heat records.

RDU is experiencing its hottest year on record, with even the low temperatures reaching record highs.

While the weather is out of our control, there are ways to manage your cooling habits and keep costs down.

You can’t control the weather but you can control your habits.

1. First, ease off the AC by a few degrees. This might cause a heated argument in your home, but you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by simply adjusting your thermostat seven to ten degrees for 8 hours a day.
2. Next, using a ceiling fan or box fan can make up the difference; running one will actually make the room feel as much as four or even five degrees cooler.
3. Third, add some technology to your home in the form of a smart or programmable thermostat; they make it easy to set a money-saving energy-conserving schedule.
4. Next, repair any leaky AC ductwork for central air and fill in holes and cracks around your windows and doors. Insulate around your window air conditioners to keep warm air from entering and cool air from escaping.
5. Finally, close your curtains and blinds during the day to keep the sun from heating your home.

Additional ways are:

- Maintain your HVAC system: Regularly change air filters for optimal airflow and efficiency.
- Spring clean and air out: Declutter, remove unused items, and open windows to bring in fresh air.
- Patch or replace damaged screens: Ensure your screens are in good condition to prevent unwanted insects.
- Install awnings: Reduce reliance on air conditioning by adding awnings to block sunlight from windows.
- Swap to lighter linens: Use light colored sheets, pillowcases, and throws for a breezy feel.
- Maintain your yard: Regularly mow grass and trim shrubs to promote airflow around your house.
- Clean refrigerator coils: Regularly clean dust and debris from refrigerator coils to improve efficiency.
- Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast to prepare for hot or rainy days

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Jelia Hepner