20 Ways to Beat the Heat and Save
When the Alabama heat kicks in, keeping your home cool can get expensive. You may be wondering how to lower your energy use without making your family uncomfortable. The good news is, there are simple things you can do to stay cool and help keep your energy costs down. Here are some easy tips for your home, whether you rent, own an older home or are trying to make the most of a tight budget.
ENERGY WASTERS & EASY SAVINGS
1. What are the biggest energy wasters in most homes during extreme heat?
Air conditioning is the biggest driver of summer energy use. Dirty air filters, air leaks around doors and windows, and sunlight heating the home can make your AC work even harder.
2. If my family is on a tight budget, what are the top three things we can do today to stay cool and save money?
Raise the thermostat a few degrees when away, close blinds and curtains during the hottest part of the day and use ceiling fans while you're in the room. If you're on a tight budget, Budget Billing can offer peace of mind by helping keep your monthly bill more consistent year-round.
THERMOSTAT & AC USE
3. Where should the thermostat realistically be set in a heat wave?
A good rule of thumb is to keep your thermostat as close to the outdoor temperature as you can while still staying comfortable, since every degree cooler requires your air conditioner to work harder and use more energy. You could lower your energy usage by up to 10% by raising your thermostat 2-3 degrees.
4. Is it cheaper to turn the AC off when I leave or keep it running at a higher setting?
Don't cool an empty house. Turn the thermostat up a few degrees when you're away, then lower it when you return. Your AC may run longer at first, but you'll typically use less energy overall than maintaining the same temperature all day.
5. If I have window units, what's the smartest way to run those?
Cool only the rooms you're using, keep filters clean and block sunlight with blinds or curtains so the unit doesn't have to work as hard.
FANS, SHADE & LOW-COST FIXES
6. What's the right way to use ceiling fans and box fans?
Fans cool people, not rooms. Use them when you're present and turn them off when you leave to avoid wasting energy.
7. How much can closing blinds and curtains really help?
It can make a noticeable difference by blocking heat-producing sunlight before it enters your home, reducing the strain on your AC.
8. Any under-$20 items that make a noticeable difference?
Weatherstripping, draft stoppers, LED bulbs (use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer) and inexpensive blackout curtains can all help lower cooling costs without major investments.
APARTMENTS, RENTERS & OLDER HOMES
9. What can renters do that landlords can't block?
Use removable weatherstripping, draft stoppers, blackout curtains, smart power strips, and adjust thermostat settings. These are renter-friendly and easy to install.
10. What quick fixes help older homes keep cool air in?
Seal gaps around doors and windows, add weatherstripping, close curtains during peak sun and replace dirty HVAC filters.
BILL SHOCK & PEAK HOURS
11. When are the most expensive hours to use electricity, and how can my family save?
Usage is typically highest during the hottest part of the day. Shift activities like laundry, dishwashing and cooking to evenings when possible.
12. If a bill is much higher than expected, what should I check first?
Look at recent weather, thermostat settings, AC performance, air filters and your daily usage.
ASSISTANCE & PROGRAMS
13. What help is available if I can't afford to run the AC as much as I need?
Energy Assistant can help connect you with energy assistance resources.
14. Are there rebates or free programs available?
Yes. We offer energy-saving resources including Home Energy Reports, rebates and incentives for smart thermostats, as well as tools to track your energy usage.
15. How can I see if I qualify for bill assistance or payment plans?
Use the Energy Assistant tool or contact our customer service team to explore available options.
HEALTH & SAFETY BALANCE
16. When does saving money on cooling become dangerous?
For older adults, young children and people with medical conditions, health and safety should come first. If indoor temperatures become unsafe, seek cooling centers, assistance programs or community resources.
17. What's your advice on balancing safety and affordability?
Focus on efficiency, not discomfort. Use fans, block heat from windows, maintain your AC and take advantage of assistance programs if needed.
PRACTICAL "DO THIS, NOT THAT"
18. What's on your "do this, not that" list?
Do: close blinds, change air filters, use fans wisely and raise the thermostat when away. Don't: cool empty rooms, leave fans running in empty spaces or block vents.
19. What's one cooling-cost myth you wish would go away?
That ceiling fans cool a room. They cool people, so leaving them on in an empty room only wastes energy.
20. What's the one change I could make this week for the biggest payoff?
Check and replace a dirty air filter if needed. It's simple, inexpensive and helps your cooling system operate more efficiently during the hottest months.