Don’t sweat it!
Nothing quite says summer like beach days, bike rides, outdoor picnics…and the potential for higher energy bills. Luckily, ComEd is here to help by suggesting simple tips to keep cool while saving money and energy this summer.
Stop unwanted heat: Close your curtains and blinds to cool down your home. When closed and lowered, highly reflective blinds can reduce heat by 45 percent.
Flip on your fans: If you want to cut down on air conditioning costs, dust off that ceiling fan. Set it to work counter clockwise at a fast speed to create a wind-chill effect. Ceiling fans make the room feel 4 degrees cooler, so you can increase the thermostat without reducing comfort. Remember to keep room doors open for natural air to circulate throughout your home, but don’t forget to turn off fans in unoccupied rooms.
Install efficient lighting: You can light your home and save money and energy by swapping out old light bulbs with light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. These bulbs save 75-80 percent of energy and last up to 25 times longer than regular bulbs. Visit the ComEd website for energy-efficiency rebates and discounts and purchase energy-saving devices on the ComEd Marketplace at https://www.comedmarketplace.com/.
Understand your thermostat: In order to save on your cooling bill, avoid setting your thermostat at a much colder temperature when you first turn on your air conditioner. In addition, raise your thermostat by 7-10 degrees when you leave your home for several hours to keep costs down.
Don’t just turn off – unplug: Anything that is plugged into a socket creates heat. Unplug things like hair dryers, phone chargers, toasters and large appliances when not in use.
Limit appliance use: Limiting the use of dryers, dishwashers, and other appliances decreases heat in your home and keeps money in your bank account. It’s a good idea to use these appliances in the morning or night when it is generally cooler outside. A good alternative to avoid extra heat from an oven or stove is firing up your grill during the summer months.
Think outside the bulb: Be innovative to create cost effective ways to stay cool at night. Place a shallow bowl of ice water in front of a fan to lower indoor temperatures and increase the chill factor.
Get paid to save: Have an old, working fridge or freezer in your garage or basement? ComEd will pick it up for free and send you $50. For more details or to schedule an appointment, visit ComEd.com/FridgeRecycling or call 800-433-2700.
Peak Time Savings: Finally, if your home has a smart meter, consider enrolling in ComEd’s Peak Time Savings program and earn a credit on your electric bill when you voluntarily reduce electricity usage on days with Peak Time Savings Hours. There is no cost to enroll, no penalty if you don’t participate, and you can remain in the program for as long as you like. For more information, see Peak Time Savings FAQs.
