Summer temperatures are here and you’ll probably find yourself adjusting your thermostat to stay comfortable. However, keeping your home cool could impact your electric bill. Explore the tips and resources below to help reduce your energy usage and make your monthly bill more predictable this summer.
Ways to Save Energy
Set the Thermostat
Turn your thermostat up a few degrees, if possible. Adjusting the temperature is one of the most effective ways to reduce cooling costs. Installing smart thermostats can help you monitor and adjust your home’s temperature so you save energy while you’re away or asleep.
Close Blinds & Curtains
Keeping window coverings shut — especially on the sunny sides of your home — during the hottest parts of the day can help reduce your home’s overall temperature.
Reduce Appliance Use
Avoid using heat-producing appliances, like ovens and dryers, when it’s hot outside. You can reduce cooling costs simply by changing your everyday habits. Unplugging appliances or using smart power strips in your home can also lead to savings.
Use a Fan
Set your ceiling fan to rotate counterclockwise so it pushes cool air down. Ceiling fans create a windchill effect, making you feel comfortable without using excess energy. This can help make your room feel up to 10 degrees cooler.
Help Your HVAC Run Efficiently
Change the filter for your HVAC system regularly so it’s not working harder to blow air through a clogged or dirty filter. Move furniture or rugs that may be blocking the vents around your home and be sure to check that the vents are open and dust-free of any dust. This will allow your cooling system to circulate air more effectively.
Seal and Insulate
Conduct a thorough inspection for air leaks around your home. Consider installing weather strips on the bottom of external doors and caulking the edges of your windows to prevent the loss of any cool air. Like your Dad always says, you want to cool your home — not the outdoors.
Bill Assistance Tool
Use our bill assistance tool to find information about what programs are right for you and your family. Log into your account at AEPOhio.com/BillHelp to take an easy, two-minute survey about your household and see your options.
Average Monthly Payment
Our Average Monthly Payment (AMP) plan spreads the costs of cooling and heating over the whole year. That means you’ll pay roughly the same amount during scorching or freezing months as you pay during off-peak months. Learn more and enroll today by visiting AEPOhio.com/AMP.
*AMP is only applicable to AEP Ohio charges. If you participate in Ohio Choice and want to enroll in a budget plan for generation supply charges, please contact your generation provider.
Set Up High Bill Alerts
Stay on track with your electric use by signing up for alerts when your bill is trending higher than normal. We’ll send a notice when your bill is projected to be 30% higher than the same time last year. If preferred, you can also customize your budget threshold based on a particular dollar amount.
Sign up here. If you’re already registered, double-check that your contact information is up to date.
Energy Dashboard
Check your online Energy Dashboard for personalized savings tips to help lower your monthly electric bill. Log into your AEP Ohio account to:
- Compare month-by-month usage data
- See your highest day of use
- Analyze your energy usage
- Get energy savings tips
To learn more about ways to stay cool and save this summer, visit AEPOhio.com/Savings.
