With the weather averaging in the 90°s in Riverside County this summer, it’d be easy to splurge on your electricity bill to help keep your home comfortably cool. Riverside County averages about 15.34¢/kWh to 15.98¢/kWh in electricity rates in the summer–but with a few tips and tricks, you can have a lower electricity bill than normal.

 

#1 – MAXIMIZE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

 

By simply replacing your air filters and making sure there’s nothing that is blocking the airflow of your systems (including closed vents), your AC will flow through your home more efficiently. It may seem like a small and tedious thing to do, but it will make a difference and maximize your HVAC system! Any sort of blockage will make your AC system work harder to reach your target temperature.

 

#2 – UPDATE YOUR HVAC SYSTEM

 

If your HVAC system is old and outdated, consider updating it with one that has the latest technological specs that is guaranteed to be more energy efficient. Many people are investing in are home automation systems, allowing them to control settings from their mobile devices. Say goodbye to forgetting to turn off the AC in the morning while you’re gone at work. Say hello to walking in to a cool home after a long, hot day.

 

#3 – KEEP THE HEAT OUT

 

Avoid cooking inside with the stove top or oven because that will quickly heat your home. Take advantage of crock-pot cooking or grilling outside in the nice weather! Curling and straightening irons as well as blow dryers can also heat up a room. Try not to blast the air just because the bathroom is heating up.

 

#4 – BLOCK THE HEAT OUT

 

In Southern California, wherever the sun is, there is warmth and heat. When sunlight enters your home, your windows trap in the heat and the heat will bounce around your home. The best way to avoid this is to simply keep your blinds closed, or better yet, install block-out curtains. However, if your windows are letting in indirect sunlight, then let it be. The indirect sunlight will light up your home and won’t necessarily warm up your house.

 

#5 – PUSH THE HEAT OUT

 

In the evening when it’s cooler out, turn off your AC, open the windows and doors, and use fans to ventilate your home. A cross breeze between the windows and doors will allow a natural cool breeze to replace the warm indoor air. In the day time, using fans to help push the hot air around and out can also help your HVAC system. Ceiling fans should spin clockwise and standing fans should tilt upwards to help hot air rise faster (and be gone quicker).

 

When the hot summer heat arrives in Temecula, Murrieta, and the surrounding cities, it’s important to have your home be a comfortably cool place without the high costs of AC bills. Whether you need a new HVAC system, AC repair, maintenance, or duct cleaning, we’d be more than happy to make your home a comfortable and stress free one. Call ProFlo at (951) 694-1300 to get started with a quote.