Retirement Planning, Elder Law, and Senior Finance 8 Ways to Reduce Utility Bills as Summer Heats Up 7/11/2024 | By Kathryn Pomroy Scientists are now warning that 2024 could surpass heat records for the second year in a row. With nearly 20 million households behind on their utility bills, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, you may be wondering how to stay ahead and save money on your summer energy bills. Here are some ways to reduce utility bills. 1. Update your thermostat. “Outdated hardware that isn’t easily adjustable or can’t be programmed is often left to run AC and cooling systems too long,” said Lucas Haldeman, founder and CEO of SmartRent. Smart thermostats improve efficiency and energy consumption. 2. Take advantage of state programs. “Many utility companies offer free energy efficiency programs for their ratepayers, as well as complimentary energy efficiency audits and generous incentives and rebates for equipment replacement,” said Christine Ciavardini of the MD Energy Advisors in Maryland. If you need help paying your cooling bills, you may qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 3. Make use of low-demand periods. “Electricity prices fluctuate depending on demand. Prices creep up in the early evening as people get home from work, switch on the TV, and start cooking,” said Mark Feygin, founder and CEO at PowerSetter. “Then, later in the evening as everyone goes to bed, electricity prices fall, which is the perfect time to schedule your dishwasher or washing machine.” 4. Clean your air conditioner, ducts and vents. If your air conditioner is clogged with dust and debris, it ends up working harder than it needs to. “Ideally, you should change your filter every three months and get the system serviced at least once a year, which can reduce its energy consumption by as much as 15%,” Feygin said. It also pays to keep your air ducts and vents clean. That way, any dust and dirt that has accumulated won’t bog down your HVAC system. 5. Switch to energy-saving appliances. Most modern-day appliances have built-in energy-saving features and use significantly less electricity than their older counterparts, providing a proactive way to reduce utility bills. 6. Close the blinds and draw the curtains. Something as simple as closing the drapes or pulling the blinds on south-facing windows can help block the sun and keep your house from heating up. Installing insulated drapes can also keep your home warm in the winter — a win-win. Or install a reflective window film. By reflecting back the sunlight, the safety film can help keep rooms cooler and thus reduce utility bills. 7. Use fans to keep you and your home cool. It’s natural to feel cooler under a ceiling fan because your body cools by evaporating sweat. “Turning on a ceiling or floor fan means you can turn up your thermostat by 4 degrees and still be comfortably cool,” Feygin said. 8. Turn down the water heater. Heating water for showers, laundry or washing the dishes accounts for about 18% of your home’s energy use and is the second largest energy expense in any home, according to Energy.gov. Turning down the temperature of your water heater can help reduce energy consumption and save money. Kathryn Pomroy is a contributing writer at Kiplinger.com. For more on this and similar money topics, visit Kiplinger.com. ©2024 The Kiplinger Washington Editors, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Find more ways to save on Seniors Guide: Three Ways to Save Money on a Fixed Income Read More Kathryn Pomroy