Why is my bill high?

• The hotter it is outside, the hotter the demand becomes for electricity. With so many fans running, ACs in use, refrigerator doors opening and freezer trips for popsicles, energy use is at its peak nationwide during the summer months. This can cause a strain on the power grid and, as a result, raise prices for everyone in the area.
• As if rising energy costs in the summer weren't enough, trying to cool down during the season often requires near-constant utilization of the AC and, consequently, a lot of energy. Cooling and heating can consume almost 50% of the average home's energy.
• Finally, showering generally requires hot water, which strains the water heater. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, heating water accounts for about 18% of total home electricity.
• With these summertime necessities comprising the bulk of your energy usage, it can seem unlikely that you'll be able to reduce your energy bill. But, with the right tools, you can implement a few measures immediately to begin seeing a reduction in your electric bill.

Tips for reducing your energy bill

• Raise your thermostat: You could save up to 10% a year on your heating and cooling bill by setting your thermostat's temperature back 7 to 10 degrees for 8 hours a day. This may sound daunting, but if paired with a few other energy-saving measures listed here, this change can quickly go unnoticed in your home and allow you to retain the level of comfort you have grown accustomed to without breaking the budget. 
• Insulate your home: Insulation may seem like a tool best used in the wintertime, but insulation can also provide an excellent bulwark against a high energy bill in the summer. It keeps heat from spreading across your house, which can reduce your AC and fan use. 
• Buy cooling curtains: Cooling curtains are a filtration tool for hot summer air. Cooling curtains take the sun's energy as it hits the curtain and turn it into cool air, making them a cost-effective, feasible solution to reducing your energy bill. 
• Invest in ceiling fans: Ceiling fans circulate the air in a room, creating a draft. You can raise the thermostat approximately 4 degrees without sacrificing comfort when using a ceiling fan. This makes fans a perfect tool to pair with your AC. 
• Only run the washer and dishwasher when they are full: It can be tempting to run a half-full dishwasher or washing machine so you can reuse your favorite mug or wear your favorite shirt sooner, but the EPA found that running the dishwasher only when it's full can eliminate one load of dishes per week and save the average family nearly 320 gallons of water annually. Only using these appliances when they're full can significantly reduce your monthly electricity usage. 
• Wash clothes in cool or warm water: Heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy needed to run a washing machine. You can save significantly on your monthly bill by only washing your clothes in cool or warm water. 
• Install screen doors: Screen doors are a great tool to keep the summer heat out of your home. They prevent the heat from entering during the summer, which can help keep your house cool. Screen doors are inexpensive, can be installed without hiring someone, and can help chip off a fraction of your energy bill. 

You can see your bill shrink while you and your family watch your savings grow by implementing a few of these simple measures.