How to save energy and money when the summer heat hits
Tips to use less energy and reduce grid demand during hot summer days
As temperatures rise this summer and energy use increases, we’re here to help customers with their energy bills, with bill assistance and payment options, energy efficiency programs, and energy- and money-saving tips.
We’re also committed to doing all we can to keep costs low for our customers while delivering the safe, reliable energy they depend on. From adding more low-cost renewable energy and securing competitively priced fuel contracts, to making our operations more efficient, we always work to keep customers’ bills low.
During the hottest days of the summer, customers also may be encouraged to participate in Energy Action Days. On peak demand days, residential customers in Colorado and Minnesota will receive Energy Action Day emails reminding them to reduce their energy use. The notifications will include energy-saving tips that will help reduce overall energy use on the system, while providing cost savings for customers.
Home cooling can account for about half of a summertime electric bill. Here are some other ways you can use less energy and save money:
- Keep the sunlight out and keep your space cool
- Close blinds or shades to keep rooms cool during the day.
- Adjust your thermostat
- During summer months, setting the thermostat at 78 degrees while you’re home will cool your home most efficiently. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your routine and could help you save on cooling costs.
- Open interior doors
- Opening interior doors within your home can help circulate cool air throughout the house. Using weather stripping to seal exterior doors and windows can also prevent cool air from escaping.
- Use fans to your advantage
- During warmer months, running ceiling fans counter-clockwise will circulate cool air from the bottom of the room to the top.
- Improve insulation
- Improving the insulation of walls, crawl spaces, floors and vents is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs, saving you up to 10% on your monthly energy bill.
- Switch it out
- Turn off unnecessary lighting and replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which use 75% to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs and last 15 times longer.
- Manage appliances
- Run washing machines, dishwashers and clothes dryers with full loads after the heat of the day, to help keep the house cooler and reduce strain on the local grid. Consider other alternatives such as using an outdoor grill to cook or a clothing line to dry clothes to further prevent heating your home.
- Replace your filters
- Replacing a dirty air filter can lower your air conditioner’s energy consumption by 5 to 15%.