Keeping Energy Bills Down As Temperatures Rise

Increasing temperatures lead to a want for more air conditioning, but what effect does this have on your energy bill?

Karen Brown with Cookeville Energy Services said the best way to keep your power bill down is to keep your thermostat between 75 and 78 degrees during the day.

“Also use ceilings fans to keep your air moving in your home if you have those,” Brown said. “Make sure that your air conditioning, your filters have been changed.”

Brown also suggested unplugged unused electronic devices and switching over to energy-saving lightbulbs. She said that closing blinds and running appliances like dishwashers, washers, and dryers at night are a good way to keep your house cool without using energy.

“As far as the rates, the rates will remain the same,” Brown said. “They do recommend don’t run your dishwasher unless it’s full. When it is the hot part of the day, you don’t want to run a lot of appliances that can cause more heat. So if you can wait in the evening until it’s cooler, I think that will keep your house cooler.”

Brown said that your air conditioning is the biggest part of your electric bill, so doing what you can to save energy will help in the long run.