Summer Saving Tips

The summer months are notorious – not only for high temperatures, but also for high energy use. But there are plenty of things you can do to conserve energy and keep your energy bill in check. Use the following tips to keep cool and save money when the temperatures climb.


Tips for Understanding your Bill

  • Check the number of days in your billing cycle. Most bills are for 30 days, but there are times when the billing cycle is shorter or longer. If there are more days in the bill, it could be higher.
  • Look at “average kilowatt-hour” (kWh) use per day. At first glance your bill may look higher, but if your average use is similar to the same time last year or in a month with similar extreme temps, it’s a normal bill.
  • See our Sample Bill for more detail on how to read a BVU utility statement. 

6 Ways to Lower Your Energy Bill Heat

  • Set your thermostat to the highest comfortable setting. Energy used to cool a home during summer can account for half of a monthly electric bill. Adjusting your thermostat to 76 degrees from 73 degrees saves more than 15 percent in electricity costs. If leaving for the day, turn the setting up a few degrees.
  • Change your air filters regularly. A dirty air filter can make a cooling system work harder, which uses more energy.
  • Make sure your HVAC system is ready to keep you cool by having it checked by a qualified heating and air conditioning contractor.
  • Close blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day to keep the sun’s rays from heating the inside of your home.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights, and use energy-efficient light bulbs that use less electricity and emit less heat.
  • Seal air leaks with caulking and weather stripping, and minimize door traffic to keep cool air inside.