JEA shares ways to keep your bill lowered as temperatures rise
JACKSON, Tenn. — As temperatures rise across West Tennessee, one utility service offers some tips on making sure your bill doesn’t rise.
With hotter weather it may be easier to lower the temperature inside your home without thinking of the additive cost.
Steve Bowers with Jackson Energy Authority suggests the following to keep your bill low and your house cool.
“Setting the thermostat at 74 instead of 72 you’ll save about 10 percent of that elements cost of the utility bill. So every degree you set the thermostat higher it’ll save you about 5 percent on the cooling cost,” said Bowers.
Be aware of using the dryer during peak hot hours, and for those who may want to cook make sure it’s keeping the house from getting hot.
“Also using, you know, using microwaves instead of ovens or outdoor grilling or anything because ovens generate a lot of heat,” said Bowers.
Bowers also suggests adding the caulking adhesive to window and door frames to keep the cold air inside.
“Another recommendation is making sure the blinds on the windows are closed especially those areas that are exposed on the sun so shutting blinds and creating less heat inside of a room will help you on the utility bill as well,” said Bowers.
For residents that may be going on vacation, make sure that your home’s adjusted for you to return back.
“There’s a vacation setting on a lot of the newer hot water heaters have what they call a vacation setting. Where the waters stays warm but maybe not as warm as you would use when you’re taking showers at all,” said Bowers.
Always remember your home is using energy with or without you present.
“The home continues to live and breathe even when you’re not there. The refrigerator is still on the freezer is still on. The appliances that are still plugged in still draw. The air conditioning system still runs at some level,” said Bowers.
Changing ceiling fans from clockwise to counterclockwise will help with the heat change as well.
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