WEBVTT

1
00:00:01.039 --> 00:00:04.400
When the summer heat rolls in, so do higher electricity costs.

2
00:00:04.900 --> 00:00:08.720
And while a bump in your electricity bill should be expected, a steep jump

3
00:00:08.819 --> 00:00:10.439
may warrant a deeper dive.

4
00:00:11.699 --> 00:00:15.439
First, the most common reason for summer high bills is extreme weather.

5
00:00:16.000 --> 00:00:19.139
Heat waves can result in your air conditioner working overtime.

6
00:00:19.739 --> 00:00:23.479
Be sure to perform routine maintenance and have your system inspected by a

7
00:00:23.559 --> 00:00:27.420
pro to make sure there are no issues that prevent it from working at its most

8
00:00:27.500 --> 00:00:28.979
efficient and effective.

9
00:00:30.199 --> 00:00:34.059
Even with an efficiently running AC, poor insulation and air

10
00:00:34.119 --> 00:00:37.500
sealing can still make it harder to get to the desired temperature.

11
00:00:37.919 --> 00:00:41.779
Make sure your insulation is up to code in your walls, attic, and crawl

12
00:00:41.819 --> 00:00:45.039
spaces, and seal any leaks around doors and windows.

13
00:00:45.559 --> 00:00:49.259
Air sealing your attic and basement, anywhere there is an opportunity for air

14
00:00:49.319 --> 00:00:53.039
infiltration, like holes for wires, lighting fixtures, or

15
00:00:53.099 --> 00:00:56.559
attic access, can result in year-round efficiency and

16
00:00:56.639 --> 00:00:57.139
comfort.

17
00:00:58.399 --> 00:01:01.099
More people in your home can also lead to higher energy bills.

18
00:01:01.559 --> 00:01:05.240
Be sure to turn lights off when you're the last one to leave the room, and use

19
00:01:05.319 --> 00:01:09.159
power management settings to ensure all devices either turn off or go

20
00:01:09.199 --> 00:01:10.979
into sleep mode when not in use.

21
00:01:12.220 --> 00:01:15.579
If you have a pool, keep an eye on how long your pool pump needs to

22
00:01:15.639 --> 00:01:19.279
run. Oversized, undersized, or older pool

23
00:01:19.360 --> 00:01:23.199
pumps may be inefficient and use more energy than needed.

24
00:01:23.279 --> 00:01:27.199
Upgrading to a more efficient or solar model could make a big difference on your

25
00:01:27.279 --> 00:01:30.099
electric bills for summers to come.

26
00:01:30.180 --> 00:01:34.119
The temperatures may be unbearably high, but with the help of these tips, your

27
00:01:34.199 --> 00:01:35.599
electric bills don't have to be.