Hot Weather - Lowering your thermostat to stay comfortable in humid weather causes your A/C to run longer, which increases energy use.
Cold Weather - Heating is two to three times more expensive than cooling. People also tend to take longer showers in colder weather, which increases water heating costs.
Many electronic devices continue to draw power even when they are not in use. Consider either plugging these devices into a power strip with an on/off button or unplugging items when not in use to conserve energy. This includes:
House guests can cause your electricity use to go up, mainly due to the increase in hot water usage. Also, the size, age and type of house you live in can impact the amount of energy you consume.
The date of your meter read varies slightly from month-to-month due to weekends and holidays; therefore, the number of days included in your monthly bill can vary between 25-35. So, even if you use the same amount of energy per day, your bill may vary from one month to the next, depending upon the number of days included in your bill.
Your air conditioner works harder when heat and light enter your home through windows and doors. There are some simple things you can do to prevent excessive sunlight from entering, which will save you money and make your home more comfortable.
The data below highlights how different roof colors and types will affect your energy savings. We hope you'll take these important factors into consideration.
Roof Color & Type |
Annual Energy Savings* |
Terra cotta, S-shaped cement tile |
$15 |
White shingles |
$25 |
White flat cement tile |
$100 |
White S-shaped cement tile |
$110 |
White galvanized metal |
$130 |
*These savings are based on a comparison to a dark gray shingle roof. The savings are reflected in annual air conditioning savings for a 1,770 sq. ft. home.
Windows and glass doors that face east and west are the most prone to letting unwanted heat into your home. Here are some ways to shade the area:
Landscaping - You must plan before you plant. Consider the mature size of plants and their distance from power lines.
Awnings - These work best when the sun is high in the sky. They shade windows well but are not cost effective based solely on energy savings.
This is an inexpensive solution to help reduce the amount of air that enters or escapes your home through doors and windows. Types of weather stripping include:
Caulking is an additional way to reduce unwanted airflow. It is only worthwhile when done as part of another project, such as painting. Use silicone or siliconized acrylic caulk because they have the longest life span, work well on most surfaces, and will maintain their elasticity.
Ceiling insulation can also largely affect how hard your A/C unit is working.