6 Simple Ways To Stay Cool & Save On Your Electric Bill

Don’t sweat it during the end of summer — the Jet Saving Squad has hacks to help.

Let’s be honest — summer may be coming to a close, but the sweltering heat isn’t going anywhere fast. That could be bad news for your electric bill…and your budget.

Google has artificial intelligence technology to cut electricity bills at its energy-guzzling data centers. For the rest of us, here’s some easy hacks from the Jet Savings Lab to help you save on your electricity bill this year.

1. Paint Your Roof White

Your roof can be a surprising source of savings. How? Block off a weekend, grab some old clothes and a brush and paint your roof white.

Yep, for real. Studies have found that white roofs reduce air-conditioning costs by 20 percent or more in hot, sunny weather.

One caveat: if you don’t own your home, check with your landlord first. He or she may not approve of you painting the roof without asking.

2. Help Your Body Adjust To The Temperature

Research shows the human body is capable of adapting to hot or cool temperatures quickly — like, within a week or two.

For every degree you raise the temperature in your home, you’ll save about 3% on your AC bill. A few degrees could add up to serious savings in these hot summer months.

If you don’t mind sweating it out a bit through the adjustment period, set your thermostat in the mid to high 70s (or higher if you can take the heat).

As a bonus, the potential environmental benefits of minimizing AC is another reason to feel good about (somewhat) higher temperatures inside.

3. Upgrade to a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats like Nest and Ecobee3 can help you see savings immediately, typically enough to cover the cost of the device in just a couple of months. Both thermostats come with sensors that can turn the AC down when they detect no one is home.

Many electric companies offer incentives for smart thermostat users that can equate to $150 over a hot summer season. Plus, these devices are also synced with your smartphone or computer, so you’ll never have to leave your cool spot on the couch to adjust the thermostat.

4. Get More From Your Fans

Ceiling fans can be great, but many of us are not operating them properly. In the summer, run your fan in a counterclockwise motion.

It creates a wind chill effect, allowing you to reduce your thermostat by as much as four to seven degrees. This can lower your cooling bill by up to 30%. Just be sure to turn the fan off when you leave the room. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting electricity to cool an empty room.

5. Save Appliance Use For Nighttime

We rarely think about it, but appliances generate a significant amount of heat. The added humidity from an oven, dishwasher or dryer on top of sizzling daytime temps will stress an already overworked air conditioner.

For substantial savings, run your appliances at night once the temperature drops a few degrees. Better yet, try grilling outside and line-drying your clothes for a touch of nostalgia — plus earth-friendly additional savings.

6. Seal Cracks Around Windows and Pipes

“I’m not paying to air condition the whole neighborhood!” Sound familiar?

That was from when you were a teenager and mom or dad yelled at you for leaving the front door open — and before you paid your own electric bill.

To make sure you’re not overspending for AC, take a moment to check the seals around doors, windows, and the pipes that come through your walls or floors. If you feel a draft, you’re (literally) paying money to air condition the neighborhood.

Sealing leaks is usually a simple process. Grab some inexpensive expanding foam spray, weather stripping, or caulk from your home improvement store to fill in the gaps you find.

Savings Through Every Season

Until artificial intelligence save us from managing our electricity usage, we must proactively take responsibility for our ever-increasing energy bills.

Implementing a few (or all) of these changes will deliver instant gratification. And some — like sealing cracks around windows — will deliver ongoing savings during every season.

This post was written by the Jet Savings Squad, a team of research-obsessed Jet employees dedicated to uncovering the very best tips to help you save.