Does Missouri’s hot and humid summer weather have you sweating this month’s electric bill? You’re not alone. Across the state, Missouri Electric Cooperative Member-Owners use air conditioning to drop the humidity and cool the air, but you also worry about how much your air conditioning will cost when your electric bill comes in.
Air conditioning is a necessity for your family on Missouri’s hottest summer days, so your Cooperatives are here to tell you how you can save as much money as possible on your summer electric bill without turning off your air.
Why Cold Air Escapes Your Home
Air temperature naturally wants to balance itself out. That’s why frigid air rushes into your house when you open your back door in the winter, and it’s why cold air escapes your home when that same door is opened in the summer.
The bigger the difference is between inside and outside temperatures, the faster the air moves. The faster the air moves, the less efficient your cooling system becomes. The U.S. Department of Energy website explains that the reverse is also true: the less difference there is between inside and outside temperatures, the more efficient your air conditioning will be.
“A higher interior temperature will slow the flow of heat into your house, saving energy on air conditioning,” according to the Department’s website.
Turning your thermostat up just a little bit can make your home noticeably more energy efficient. Boone Electric Cooperative says that turning it up just one degree can save eight percent on your electric, but he higher you can comfortably keep your thermostat set during the summer, the more cost savings your family will see (source).
Close the Gap Between Indoor & Outdoor Temperatures
The Department of Energy recommends that you keep your indoor temperature as close as you can to outside temperatures. It also recommends that you set your thermostat to different temperatures when you’re home and away:
“Set your programmable thermostat as high as is comfortable in the summer and raise the setpoint when you’re sleeping or away from home,” the Department explains. “…the smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be (source).”
Missouri’s summertime heat and humidity can feel miserable, but opening your monthly electric bill doesn’t have to feel the same way. Follow these energy efficiency tips to save money on your summer electric bill, and learn more about how Missouri’s Electric Cooperatives work to provide safe, efficient energy to rural Missouri by following us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.
