Tips to lower your power bill during extreme heat

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Rising temperatures don’t have to mean a skyrocketing power bill.

“We always tell people that the biggest impact on your home’s energy usage is going to be your HVAC,” says Ashley Cunningham with Dominion Energy.

The hotter it is outside, the harder your system is having to work to cool your home, and in turn more electricity is being consumed.

First, Cunningham says be sure to change your HVAC system’s filter regularly.

“If your filters are dirty, your unit is going to work harder to push that air conditioned air throughout your home,” she says.

Next, make sure your doors and windowsills are properly caulked and insulated. Close your blinds and curtains during the day to help keep the heat out.

And when it comes to appliances that put off heat (like your dryer, oven, and dishwasher) try to use them in cooler morning and evening hours.

And finally, thermostats, should be turned up to 78 degrees. If that’s just too hot for you, Cunningham says meet in the middle, and at least bump it up a degree or two.

“And I know when a lot of people hear that number 78 it gives them pause and they think, ‘Oh that’s just too hot!’ And so what I always tell customers if that 78 degrees or a higher temp is too much for you, whatever your typical thermostat setting is — maybe you like to keep your home at 75 degrees, consider bumping it up to 76 or 77 degrees. A degree or two will make a difference in how much energy your HVAC system is using,” she says.

Dominion Energy also offers a free Home Energy Checkup program. An energy expert will come to your home and perform a free energy home audit, and inspect and identify areas where you can improve the overall energy efficiency of your home.

The company also has customer assistance options around billing and payment plans. Cunningham says all you have to do is call customer support at 800-251-7234.

“We make sure that customers know that we work with everyone on a case by case basis and try to find resources and solutions that best fit their situation,” she says.