Summer heat is just around the corner in California, and with rising energy costs, reducing energy usage is increasingly important for homeowners. Here are the 10 best ways to keep your energy bills low this summer!

Air Dry- Dry clothes outside on a line whenever possible. If you must use the dyer, use it during the cool part of the day. Dryers use a lot of electricity and also produce a large amount of heat.
Unplug Electronics- Phone chargers, televisions and all the other electronic items produce heat when they are plugged in. When you are not using these items, it is best to keep them unplugged to avoid creating additional heat in your home.
Update Appliances – Many people have an old fridge in the garage that they use for drinks or whatever doesn’t fit inside. If you’re using a second fridge, make sure it’s an energy efficient model. An energy efficient fridge can easily pay for itself in energy savings.
Fire up the Grill- Outdoor cooking is a lot of fun, it helps reduce your energy consumption and keeps your home cool. The oven and stove not only use energy but they also can create a very large heat load that will have your air conditioner working over-time.
Remember WOW (Window Open Weather) – Once the temperature outside reaches your desired indoor temperature, remember to open your windows. A great cross breeze will cool your home quickly and give you some much needed fresh air.
Dark is Cool – Pull your shades during the day while you’re at work or doing errands. This will help prevent the sun’s rays from heating up your home while you’re out.
Clean up the Yard – Specifically the space around your outdoor air conditioning unit. When plants and bushes block airflow to the coil of your unit the A/C has to work harder and uses more electricity.
Change/Clean Filters – A dirty indoor filter makes your A/C work harder and can even cause a breakdown of your air conditioning system. During periods of high use, buy 90 day filters and change them every 60 days. If you have a washable filter, clean it at least once a month.
DIY Sealing – If you’re the type who loves projects around the home some simple air sealing can increases your energy efficiency in the summer and keep your home more comfortable. Focus on the spaces around windows and doors; some simple caulking and replacement of door sweeps can have quite an impact.
Proper Thermostat Use – Not all Air Conditioning systems are the same. Some systems require you to keep the thermostat set to your desired temperature all summer long. With these systems the units typically run at very small capacities for longer run times. Other systems are designed to be set at a different temperature when you are home and away. Speak with your air conditioning professional to determine which type of system you have.

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