A hot summer usually means a high energy bill. Here are a few tips to lower your costs:

Invest in a Smart Thermostat

Thermostats have come a long way. By investing in a Smart Thermostat, you can program your AC to go into energy saving mode when no one is home. You can even control your AC from your phone!

Fans are your friend!

Fans allow you to raise the thermostat without reducing your comfort, but remember—fans cool people, not rooms. Make sure you turn the fan off when you leave the room!

Unplug appliances you are not using, especially before you go on vacation!

Do you have a coffee pot plugged in that you only use once a month? Devices can drain power even if they are turned off, so unplug the things you don’t actively use!

Use energy-efficient lightbulbs.

Energy efficient lightbulbs may cost a bit more upfront, but they use less energy, produce less heat, and last much longer!

Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.

It takes energy to heat up the water, so make sure you are making the most of it. Consider washing your clothes in cold water to save even more!