Experts share tips on how to save on your energy bill

"Keeping your windows and curtains closed during the day, and having your attic insulation looked at."

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — With hot temperatures during the summer months, many homeowners turn their thermostat’s up and down throughout the day. Experts say, that can cause your bill to skyrocket. 

Flint Energies Youth and Education Specialist, Blair Brown, says they recommend homeowners to keep their homes at 78 degrees. They also recommend calling a professional to check your system annually.  

“Preventive maintenance is very important when it comes to HVAC units. Not only during the summer, but year-round just to get that habit,” said Brown. “Go ahead and get that checked twice a year, to make sure when it gets hot or cold that there able to handle that”.  

Brown says creating heat in your homes such as cooking, will make your system run longer. She shared a few alternative ways to make a meal. 

“During those hotter times do not use bigger appliances. Obviously when you’re using a stove, a glass top for cooking, you’re going to have create more heat in the kitchen. So, your units going to have to work harder to cool down those areas,” she said. “So, we recommend using smaller appliances like air fryers, toaster ovens, or consider grilling outside if you can”.  

According to ‘We Care Plumbing, Septic, Heating & Air Conditioning‘ HVAC manger Ryan Lawrence, changing out air filters can make a big difference. He also says your ceiling fan can be a source to cool off. 

“If an air filter dirties up then it doesn’t allow the system to breath properly, which can then make it work harder to cool. That will then raise your bill up higher, and not cool your home like you want to,” said Lawrence. “Another great tip is make sure your ceiling fan is spinning counterclockwise. This blows the air downward which cools off the room”. 

If you’re not at home during the day, Lawrence explains the best way to make sure it stays cool before heading out the door in the mornings. 

“If you leave it high at 75/76 and you want it cool by the time you get home, your units then going to fight,” he said. “If your get home at 6:00 and you’re trying to turn it down, and then it won’t cool down until nighttime at that point. So, it’s best to set your thermostat lower before you go to work”. 

He says there are a few things most people overlook when it comes to keeping your house cool, and energy bill cheaper during these hot summer days. 

Lawrence advises keeping your windows and curtains closed during the day, and having your attic insulation looked at. He says it plays a huge roll in your energy efficiency and keeping your home cooler.