10 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill This Summer

Oklahoma summers are no joke. When temperatures stay above 90 for weeks at a time, your air conditioner runs almost constantly. Here are 10 practical strategies to cut costs without sacrificing comfort.

The Department of Energy recommends 78 degrees as the optimal balance between comfort and efficiency. Every degree lower increases energy consumption by roughly 3%.

Let your home warm up while you're at work and cool back down 30 minutes before you return. A smart thermostat can do this automatically and pay for itself in one season.

A clogged filter restricts airflow and forces your system to work harder. In summer, check and replace your filter every 30 days, especially if you have pets.

The EPA estimates that 20-30% of conditioned air is lost through duct leaks. Have your ductwork inspected and sealed by a professional.

Ceiling fans create a wind-chill effect that makes you feel cooler. Run them counterclockwise in summer. Turn them off when you leave the room — fans cool people, not spaces.

Close blinds and curtains on south and west-facing windows during the hottest part of the day. Cellular shades can reduce solar heat gain by up to 77%.

Your oven adds significant heat to your home. Grill outside or use countertop appliances on hot days to reduce the load on your AC.

A system running with dirty coils and low refrigerant uses significantly more energy than a properly maintained one.

Heat enters your home primarily through the roof. If your attic has less than 12 inches of insulation, adding more is one of the highest-ROI improvements you can make.

If your AC is over 12 years old, upgrading to a variable-speed system with a 16+ SEER rating can cut your cooling costs by 30-50%.

Call (918) 408-8577 for a home efficiency consultation.