How to Cut Energy Costs in the Midst of Hot Weather

There are so many awesome things about hot days like poolside relaxation and cookouts with friends, but what about all the money you’re blowing on energy costs at home? Thankfully, there are ways that you can cut costs during this hot, sweaty season. You’ll also be doing the environment a favor – According to the Energy Department, about half of a household’s overall energy is used up by heating and cooling in the home.

Here are 5 helpful ways to cut down on pesky energy costs during hot days.

• Clean your filters. – Clean them out at least once a month, which can be done very easily. All you have to do is run water through the filters and let them air dry. It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it…and your wallet will thank you!
• Keep that cold air in! – It’s especially important to keep all the cold air that’s coming out of your home’s vents to stay in your home and not seep outdoors. You can do this by applying inexpensive plastic film around older windows to prevent a draft. Other solutions include foam and caulking in problem areas along with extra attic insulation. Close the doors and vents in unused rooms to save even more energy.
• Step away from the oven. – Did you know that baking a cake or any hot foods like casseroles will make your A/C go into overdrive? You can prevent this from happening by cooking colder foods, which will keep you cooler than eating hot foods. Makes sense, right? If you can’t live without those hot foods, use an outdoor grill or toaster oven.
• Program your thermostat. – According to Geoff Godwin, division vice president of Emerson, programming your thermostat appropriately will save you about 30% in energy costs per year. Set it up so that the temperature automatically rises when you’re not at home during the day. Most shocking to me is that 25 million people own a programmable thermostat, but only half of them actually use the feature.  
• Unplug what you’re not using. – If you’re just hitting the power button on your TV after watching a show, you’re doing it all wrong. Even though the power is off on your electronics, they are still sucking energy as long as they’re plugged in. To save on costs, make sure you unplug things you’re not using. If you don’t want to have to worry about unplugging things all the time, another option is to use a Smart Strip, which will cut power when it’s not needed.