A thermostat is set to 70 degrees next to three $100 bills, representing the high costs of utilities and energy rates in the United States.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Now that the Kansas City metro is back to dealing with hot and humid weather, many could use some tips and tricks on how to stay cool and frugal throughout the hottest months of the year.
According to Energy Star, the average home spends approximately $1,900 a year on utility bills with almost half going to heating and cooling. But there are many ways to combat these costs.
Here are a number of things you can do to save on cool air and energy in your household this summer:
Keep track of your thermostat
- Use your thermostat wisely and set it at the highest temperature possible while still remaining comfortable, especially when you are away from home.
- According to Evergy, raising your thermostat by as little as 3-5 degrees can greatly affect your energy usage. Justenergy.com said every degree of extra cooling will increase usage by 6-8%.
- Don’t set your thermostat to a colder setting when you turn on your A/C. It will not cool down your home any faster.
- Consider a smart thermostat if you are having problems with your HVAC. These devices can be scheduled to align with your habits and preferences and automatically adjust to energy-saving settings when you are away.
Use fans
Use appliances efficiently
Check your A/C unit
- Change your air filters to ensure your A/C works efficiently and maintains steady airflow, Evergy said.
- Have your HVAC serviced and schedule regular maintenance to guarantee your cooling equipment works to the best of its ability and won’t fail during the hottest months of the year.
Seal up your windows
- Avoid hot air leaking into your home by sealing cracks with caulk or weatherstripping seals around doors and windows.
- Sealing these parts of the home and adding insulation in the colder months could save you up to $190 a year, according to energystar.gov.
Cover your windows
Lower the temperature of your water heat
- Water heating can account for about 18% of energy usage in the home. This can be prevented by setting your water heater at no more than 120 degrees.
- Reducing your settings from 140 to 120 degrees could reduce your water heating bill by more than 10%, according to Evergy.
Now that you have heard some of the tips and trick on how to save some energy and save a buck on utility bills, get out there and enjoy your cool, energy-efficient summer.
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