Five Simple Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill This Summer

It’s no secret that as temperatures rise, so do energy bills, especially if you live in a naturally warmer climate. With the summer sun blazing down, staying cool without cranking up the AC can seem like a challenge.

At Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), we know how important mindful energy consumption is and we’re committed to helping our community make smart energy choices that are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Here are a few simple, effective ways to keep your home cool, without significantly raising your energy bill:

Embrace the Shade

While we all love the ambiance of a bright, sun-filled room, those rays streaming through your windows can significantly increase the temperature inside your home. By drawing the curtains or closing your blinds during the hottest parts of the day, you can reduce the amount of heat entering your space while keeping the cool air in.

Fans Are Your Friend

Did you know that fans use around 1% of the electricity consumed by air conditioners? Try circulating the air in your home with ceiling fans or box fans. If you run a few fans while you turn on the air conditioner, you could help distribute the air around your home more effectively while setting your thermostat a few degrees higher. In the evenings, open a window and create a cross-ventilation by placing your fans nearby. You’ll get a nice big whiff of the cool evening air and a lower energy bill—it’s a win-win.

Keep an Eye on Appliance Usage

Using heavy-duty appliances like the oven, dishwasher or dryer can generate a lot of heat while using tons of energy, especially in the summer months. Be strategic when you’re using these appliances – try to stick to off-peak hours – early in the morning or later in the evening when your home is naturally cooler. For small appliances and electronics, simply unplugging them when they’re no longer in use can make all the difference. These small moves will keep your home feeling great and your energy bill down low!

Seal Your Windows

Much like in the winter months, air has a way of sneaking into your home and causing a disturbance in your home’s set temperature. We recommend sealing any gaps or cracks in your windows — even the doors. You can use weather strips or caulk around these areas, stopping the warm air from entering and the cool air from escaping. Not only will this help you maintain a consistent indoor temperature, but it’ll reduce your need for constant air conditioning and keep your home cooler, longer.

Save More Energy & Money on OCPA Marketplace 

To maximize energy efficiency and savings, OCPA customers get access to a residential online marketplace that offers incentives for customers to obtain smart home devices and energy-efficient products. With this exclusive discount program, customers in OCPA communities can buy LED bulbs, smart thermostats, power strips, home energy monitors and more. Special deals for summer are available, like air conditioners and air purifiers. Visit the OCPA Marketplace.

You Don’t Have to Break the Bank to Beat the Heat

By embracing the shade, using fans, sealing your windows and strategically using your heavy-duty appliances, you will likely see a difference in your energy usage. As you search for more ways to effectively lower your bill and stay comfortable, remember this: you don’t have to break the bank to beat the heat. By making a few mindful adjustments here and there, you’re likely to see a huge difference. So stay cool, enjoy your summer, and let your energy savings bring you peace of mind.

About Orange County Power Authority

The Orange County Power Authority is a not-for-profit public agency that offers clean power at competitive rates, significantly reducing energy-related greenhouse emissions and enabling reinvestment in local energy programs. To learn more, visit www.ocpower.org.