The Heat is On: Lower Your Summer Energy Costs
When summer heats up, our electric bills tend to increase as air conditioners are working overtime, driving up home energy consumption. Petit Jean Electric is your local not-for-profit electricity provider, and we are committed to helping you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
As the temperatures get hotter over the summer, we want to make sure you know about a range of energy-saving offerings designed specifically with you in mind. By taking advantage of these programs and services, you can manage your energy consumption and costs.
Levelized Billing
When you sign up for levelized billing, your energy bill is calculated by averaging your previous 12 months of use. With levelized billing, your monthly energy costs are easier to budget and manage, especially during seasonal fluctuations when bills tend to increase based on the weather. Levelized billing is a great option for anyone on a fixed income or those with highly variable seasonal needs.
Free Home Energy Audit
Our energy advisers are available to conduct a free energy audit of your home to identify areas where energy is wasted and provide recommendations on ways to improve efficiency and lower your monthly bills. Learn more at pjecc.com/energy-saving-tips.
More Ways to Save this Summer
When summer temperatures rise, so do our energy bills. Here are a few ways you can reduce energy use and grow your summer savings.
- Raise your thermostat. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature, the more you’ll save.
- Install window coverings like blinds or light-blocking curtains to prevent indoor heat gain during the day.
- Seal leaks with caulk and weatherstripping around windows and exterior doors. Air leaks force your air conditioner to work harder and run longer than necessary.
- Run ceiling fans for additional cooling, but turn them off when you leave the room.
- Lower your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees to reduce standby heat loss.
You Have the Power
Small actions combined can have a big impact on summer energy bills.
The best way to lower energy use during summer months is to raise the thermostat to the highest setting that’s comfortable. Ceiling fans can also help you feel cooler, but remember to turn them off when you leave the room. On warm summer nights, fire up the grill to keep additional heat out of the kitchen. Remember to change air filters often so your cooling system doesn’t have to work harder than necessary.
Don’t let energy bills take a toll on your summer fun. We are here to help manage your energy use, whether through efficiency programs and services or energy-saving advice from our local energy advisers.
Contact us at (501) 745-2493 to learn more about practical strategies to lower your use, trim your bills and make this summer a breeze for both you and your wallet.
