Lower Your Summer Electric Bill

According to Visual Capitalist, 35% of residential energy consumption is wasted, and during the summer, that wasted energy can add up. Want to save money, be more eco-friendly, and stop worrying about wasting energy? Here’s our guide to lowering your summer electric bill (without turning off your A.C.):

One easy way to save on your energy bill is to invest in a Smart Strip surge protector. Unplugging devices when not in use can be a huge hassle, especially when it comes to entertainment centers, which can turn into a knot of wires. Smart Strip actually turns off power to electronics that are powered down, helping you save money (and the planet). Plus, most power strips use quite a bit of energy, but the Smart Strip itself uses only one watt of energy when fully engaged.

Cost: $

Return: $$

Most individuals have a thermostat, but most never program it. This can cost you big bucks during the summer! During the day, you may need the AC on full blast, but in the evening, you may not need it on at all! Programming your thermostat can help you keep your house or apartment at your preferred temperature, without the hassle of constantly adjusting it.

This article from HouseLogic can help guide you on the optimal thermostat settings for every season.

Cost: Free

Return: $

Whether you’re washing dishes or washing delicates, no matter how many items you put in a load, laundry machines and dishwashers tend to draw the same amount of energy. Make the most of each run by loading your machines with the optimal amount.

For dishwashers, the right amount is as many items and there are slots to place them in, but for laundry, you have to strike a more delicate balance. The trick is to know how many clothes your dryer can dry in one cycle and work backwards.

Cost: Free

Return: $

You may not know this, but ceiling fans actually have two settings, one for winter and one for summer. In the summer, running your fan counter clockwise is best, because it pushes air down, creating a breeze, rather than drawing air away from you. To change its direction, find the (usually) black switch on the side of the fan and flip it!

Cost: Free

Return: $

Looking to save money on your energy bill all year? It might be time to invest in Energy Star Appliances. As far as appliances go, refrigerators can consume a lot of energy in a year, especially since you can’t unplug them without your food spoiling. In fact, the average household spends $95 a year on the cost of refrigeration. Over time, that cost can really add up, but luckily so can savings!

Below are our top Energy Star Refrigeration picks:

Cost: $$-$$$

Return: $$$+

French Door Refrigerator

Model

Estimated Energy Cost

(via Energy Guide)

DCS By Fisher & Paykel

RS36A80JC1 36” French Door Refrigerator

Approx. $67 a year

KitchenAid KBFN402ESS

42.25” French Door Refrigerator

Approx. $76 a year

GE Appliances

GNE21FMKES 30” French Door Refrigerator

Approx. $69 a year

Top Freezer Refrigerator

Model

Estimated Energy Cost

(via Energy Guide)

Frigidaire FFHT1514TS

28” Top Freezer Refrigerator

Approx. $40 a year

Samsung RT18M6213SR

29” Top Freezer Refrigerator

Approx. $44 a year

Amana ART348FFFS

30” Top Freezer Refrigerator

Approx. $44 a year

Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Model

Estimated Energy Cost

(via Energy Guide)

Sub-Zero IT36CIIDRH

36” Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Approx. $49 a year

Amana ABB1921BRM

30” Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Approx. $48 a year

Bosch B10CB80NVB

24” Counter Depth Bottom Freezer Refrigerator

Approx. $42 a year

If one of the items in this article piqued your interest or you’re ready to put together a custom home appliance package, give us a call at 303.665.6850. One of our knowledgeable sales representatives would love to help!