FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — As temperatures climb across the region, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) reminds members that a few simple changes can make a big difference, not just for comfort, but for your energy bill. With summer heat in full swing, now is the perfect time to take stock of your home energy use and find easy ways to use less.
Whether you’re looking to trim your monthly bill or reduce your energy footprint, REC has you covered with practical tips designed for real life in your home.
Keep Cool Smarter
Your cooling system is likely your biggest energy expense in the summer months. A few smart habits can go a long way:
- Set your thermostat to 78°F or the highest comfortable setting when you’re home and raise it several degrees when you’re away. Every degree of cooling adds roughly 3% to your cooling costs.
- Use a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures based on your schedule, so you stop cooling an empty house.
- Run ceiling fans counterclockwise in summer to create a wind-chill effect. Just remember: fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off when you leave.
- Schedule HVAC maintenance annually and replace air filters every one to three months. A dirty filter makes your system work harder and cost more.
Seal Out the Heat
A well-sealed home stays cooler naturally, putting less strain on your AC:
- Check weatherstripping and caulk around doors, windows and other openings to prevent cool air from escaping and warm air from sneaking in.
- Add insulation in your attic if needed. Heat rises, and in the summer, it pushes right down into your living space without adequate insulation to stop it.
- Close blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day to block out solar heat gain from south- and west-facing windows.
Cut Energy Use Room by Room
Small changes throughout your home add up fast:
- Switch to LED lighting throughout your home. LEDs use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and they generate far less heat.
- Wash clothes in cold water and run full loads in both your washer and dishwasher. Heat-generating appliances can add significant load and cost during peak hours.
- Unplug electronics and chargers when not in use. Many devices draw “standby power” even when they’re off, quietly adding to your bill all summer long.
- Use your oven less: opt for grilling outdoors, slow cookers or microwaves to keep indoor heat and your AC workload down.
Take Advantage of Savings Programs
REC members can also sign up for the Summer Savings Plan, a demand-response program that helps reduce strain on the electric grid during peak periods while helping members save on their bills. Enrollment is quick and easy, and your comfort stays in your hands.
To explore more energy-saving tips, enroll in the Summer Savings Plan, and discover tools and resources to help manage your energy use, visit myrec.coop/save.