How to save on your summer energy bill

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – With summer now underway and temperatures expected to climb in the coming days, many people will be turning up the air conditioning to stay cool.

And while that can provide relief from the heat, it can also lead to higher energy bills. Warren Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation says there are several simple ways to help reduce energy costs, including turning off lights when they’re not in use and making sure windows and doors are properly sealed.

Officials say your thermostat and water heater are two of the biggest contributors to your energy bill, and making small adjustments to both can lead to significant savings over time.

“Even a degree makes a difference on your bill. So if you can turn it up a degree and still be comfortable, that’s a great thing to do. And as far as water heating, that does take up a lot of energy. So one of the great things you can do is do your laundry in cold water. Most of the detergents now are formulated to work just as well in cold water. So if you can use cold water washes, that actually does help a lot,” said Warren RECC Senior Director of Communications Kim Phelps.

Saving money on your energy bill starts with making sure your home is as energy efficient as possible. Warren RECC and the Tennessee Valley Authority offer programs that help homeowners identify ways to improve efficiency before summer energy bills begin to climb.

“There’s home assessments that you can take online. TVA typically offers one free energy audit a year to come out there and look at everything as well. And I can do that to some extent to we want to be as proactive as possible and not just wait for those high bills to come in before we jump in. If we can catch something before that summer time, before that winter time bill hits, we’re all for it,” said Dylan Lindsey, energy advisor with Warren RECC.

To learn more ways to save on your energy, you can click here.