It’s summertime again and these easy and inexpensive tips may
help you save both energy and money. You
can keep your cool by becoming more energy efficient when the temps begin to
rise.
IMPLEMENT NATURAL VENTILATION
Open your windows and turn off the
air conditioner after sunset. When you
wake in the morning, shut the windows and drapes or blinds to maximize the cool
air. Install window coverings designed
to prevent heat gain through the windows.
LET THE BREEZE BLOW
A ceiling fan used in conjunction
with air conditioning will allow you to turn up the thermostat about four
degrees with no change in comfort level.
Be sure to turn off the ceiling fan when you leave the room. Fans create a wind chill effect, which cools
people without using energy to cool the room.
Use ventilation fans in the bathroom during showers or baths to remove
heat and humidity, as well as laundry rooms and kitchens when in use. For optimal efficiency, bathroom and kitchen
fans should be vented to the outside and not up into the attic.
CONTROL YOUR THERMOSTAT WISELY
Although you may be inclined to
turn down your thermostat rather drastically during the summer, try to set it
as high as comfortably possible, especially when you are not home. A programmable thermostat
can efficiently help keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and
cooler only when you are home, without you having to remember to change it each
day. The smaller the difference between
the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill will be.
AVOID UNINTENTIONAL HEATING
Don’t heat your house with
appliances and lights. On hot days, use
the oven as little as possible, or opt to grill outside. Consider installing efficient,
cooler lighting. 85% to 90%
of the electricity consumed by incandescent lights is actually turned into
heat, while only 10% to 15% results in light.
Take advantage of daylight, while avoiding direct sunlight. Wash only full loads of laundry and
dishes. Air drying both will help
minimize extra heat. Take short showers
instead of baths. Heating water consumes
about 18%
of the energy used in a typical home.
Turn off computers and televisions when not in use. Idle appliances left on create unnecessary
heat. Seal cracks and openings which
allow heat to leak into your home, including adding caulk or weather stripping
around doors and windows.
HOW CAN I MAKE MY HOME AND APPLIANCES MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT?
AEP Energy Reward StoreSM
is our one-stop online marketplace filled with a variety of energy-saving and
connected-home products for your home available exclusively for our valued
customers. It is a simple and convenient way for you to shop for items to make
your home more energy efficient while saving you time and money.
You can earn Reward Dollars to use in Reward Store by
enrolling on an AEP
Energy price plan. One month after your enrollment date, you will
start earning Reward Dollars to use towards your purchases in Reward Store.
Another great resource is Energy Star, a US Environmental
Protection Agency program that helps save money and protect the environment
through energy efficiency. All Energy Star
products are independently certified to guarantee energy efficiency.
Not only does Energy Star certify energy efficient products,
they offer a variety of energy related assistance with finding tax credits,
strategies for buildings and plans, and seasonal help for your home.
This summer, it IS possible to be comfortable and still have control of your energy spend.
AEP Energy does not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, freedom from error, or value of any information herein. The information presented is provided “as is”, “as available”, and for informational purposes only, speaks only to events or circumstances on or before the date it is presented, and should not be construed as advice, a recommendation, or a guarantee of future results. AEP Energy disclaims any and all liabilities and warranties related hereto, including any obligation to update or correct the information herein. Summaries and website links included herein (collectively, “Links”) are not under AEP Energy’s control and are provided for reference only and not for commercial purposes. AEP Energy does not endorse or approve of the Links or related information and does not provide any warranty of any kind or nature related thereto.
Spring has arrived and it’s the time of year when many of us start to put together our spring break and summer vacation plans. Did you know you can go green while traveling? That’s right! You can enjoy the sights and be kind to the environment at the same time. Choosing a destination There’s something …
There are several components that make up the amount you are charged on your energy bill. One you’ve probably heard about is the “Price to Compare” rate or PTC, but what is it, exactly? The Price to Compare rate is the price that local utility is charging (per kWh) for the generation portion of your …
AEP Energy Reward Store is filled with a variety of energy-saving products for your home. It is a simple and convenient way for you to shop for items to make your home more energy efficient while saving you time and money.
Collect Reward Dollars each month ($5/electric, $3/natural gas) for simply being an AEP Energy Customer.
Shop AEP Energy Reward Store for energy-efficient products like smart thermostats, LED lighting, and more.
Redeem your accumulated Reward Dollars and enjoy smart solutions for your home.