The average American Family spends $400 between June and August to cool their home, according to the Department of Energy. OG&E’s Rob Ratley says your air-conditioner accounts for approximately 43-percent of your energy bill.
“As far a you`re A/C units, [it’s] very important that it`s operating properly,” Ratley said,
“and homeowners can change their filters plus keep their outdoor units clear of debris and dirt as well as leaves.”
“What we really encourage those customers to do is to really focus on those appliances with large electric motors or heating elements,” Ratley said.
Though your water heater factors into your bill, many experts say it’s usually not worth messing with, but others say you can save money turning it down to a lower temperature, as manufacturers often set them higher than your home requires.
“The water heater is not a huge energy consumer, we don`t recommend adjusting that unless you`re gonna be gone for several weeks,” Ratley said.
As far as lower-energy users such as lights, cable boxes and other electronic devices go, Ratley says to look at them collectively.
“Turn them off when you can, make sure that they`re properly ventilated, but for the most part your larger appliances are more important as far as your energy usage,” he said.
Another way to save energy, is to try running your appliances before 2 p.m. and after 7 p.m.
“That`s considered our peak usage time, so any usage you can defer from that time is beneficial to you,” Ratley said.
You can also reduce your consumption with good insulation, proper weather stripping and keeping your blinds closed during the day.