By following these helpful tips, managing your electric bill in the summer and winter months doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
In the Summer
Control Your Thermostat
- A setting of 78 degrees is ideal for energy efficiency. If you can raise it and remain comfortable, your savings will increase.
- If you are leaving your home for more than a few hours, raise the thermostat 4 degrees or more than normal.
Window Air Conditioning Units
- If possible, locate window air conditioning units on the north or shady side of the house.
Direct sunlight falling on your unit increases its workload.
Fans
- Use fans where possible. Portable fans or ceiling fans can make the air feel about 10 degrees cooler.
Appliances
- Run heat-producing appliances like dishwashers and clothes dryers in the evening.
- Prepare cool meals such as salads and sandwiches. Barbeque outdoors, instead of using the oven or range.
- Switch pool filters, sweeper operations and spa filters to late evening hours.
In the Winter
Control Your Thermostat
- A setting of 68 degrees is ideal. If you can lower it and remain comfortable, your savings will increase.
Vents and Filters
- Be sure to clean or replace your furnace or heat pump filters regularly.
- Be sure not to block your vents with furniture, plants or other objects, and keep the return air vents clean.
The Sun
- Selectively open and close drapes and blinds during the day to maximize solar heat gain. Close them at night to keep the warm air in.
By following these helpful tips, managing your electric bill in the summer and winter months doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
What’s using the most electricity in your home?
| Appliance | Typical Wattage |
|---|---|
| Computer | 200 |
| Water Heater | 4500-5000 |
| Space Heater | 500-1500 |
| Refrigerator/Freezer | 750 |
| Home Security System | 200 |
| Lights | 40-150 |
| Range (Oven) | 12200 |
| Sump Pump (.5) | 1000 |
| Dishwasher | 1200 |
| Television | 150-400 |
| Radio | 70-200 |
| Microwave | 600-1500 |
| Coffee Maker | 750-1200 |
| Toaster | 1100 |
| Washing Machine | 1000 |
| Clothes Dryer | 4850 |
| Dehumidifier | 840 |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 800 |
How to calculate an appliance’s hourly cost.
In order to estimate the amount of electricity your particular appliance may use, you must do some investigating.
First, locate the manufacturer’s nameplate and find the watts used by the appliance. If amperes (AMPs), instead of watts, are listed, multiply the AMPs by the rated voltage (usually 120 or 240 volts) to get the watts.
Next, calculate the hourly cost using the following example:
Suppose you have an appliance that uses 450 watts.
Kilowatts = 450/1000 = .45 kW
Hourly cost = .45 kW x current kWh rate
How Energy Efficient is Your Home?
Take charge of your energy costs by completing the Energy Audit Checklist or by using one of the many
energy calculators located in our Energy Toolkit., such as the Energy Advisor Calculator.
You also can contact a South Central Power Energy Advisor to help you identify how you can make your
home more energy efficient. Just give us a call at (800) 282-5064.