Electricity prices typically fluctuate most during the summer. When temperatures soar, Power Smart Pricing can help you make smart choices about your electricity use – especially your air conditioning – and help you manage your costs. Normally, the highest prices in the summer will be in the late afternoon and early evening. Depending on weather and other conditions, some days will have higher overall prices than others.

You can save the most money with Power Smart Pricing by reducing your electricity use during high-priced hours. Take advantage of low prices by running appliances during less expensive, off-peak hours. The high price period tips that follow will help you to take special actions when you receive high price notifications. In addition, you can use the everyday summer energy-saving tips to save energy and money throughout the season.

Tips for Managing Your Summer Electricity Costs

• Air conditioning
• In the kitchen
• Around the house
• In the yard
• Shopping for savings
• Get out and stay cool

Air Conditioning

Everyday Tips

• Cut the Air Costs: Making wise use of your air conditioner will help you save the most on your energy bill during the summer. Set your air conditioner to the warmest temperature that feels comfortable. Save energy by turning off your air conditioner or adjusting the thermostat upward during cooler weather and when no one is home.
  Window Air Conditioners: Turn the air conditioner off when you are not home.
  Central Air Conditioners: Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat when you go out.
• Save Automatically: If you have a programmable thermostat, use it to automatically adjust the temperature and save energy when you’re not home.
• Change the Filter: Replace or clean your window or central air conditioning filters once a month or as directed by the manufacturer. Dirty filters restrict air flow and increase energy use.
• Circulate Cool Air: Use fans along with, or instead of, your air conditioner to make your home feel cooler. Fans use far less electricity than air conditioners. A ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting by about 4° F with no reduction in comfort! Just remember to turn the fan off when you leave the room.
• Beware of the Sunny Side: During the day, keep shades and curtains closed on the sunny side of the house to reduce heat caused by sunlight.
• Keep Your Cool: Make sure that windows and doors are closed tightly while your air conditioner is running.
• Add weather stripping: Weather stripping around doors and windows can help keep your home warm in the winter and keep cool, air-conditioned air inside the home during the summer.

High Price Period Tips

• Central Air Conditioners: Temporarily change your thermostat to a warmer temperature setting during high price periods.
• Window Air Conditioners: Limit the use of window air conditioners during high price periods. Use a warmer temperature setting or turn the air conditioner off.

In the Kitchen

Everyday Tips

• Don’t Create Heat: To keep the house cooler, try using a crock pot, toaster oven, or small microwave instead of the stove or oven.
• Clean Up Efficiently: Dishwashers use electricity and produce heat. Only wash full loads so you won’t have to run the dishwasher as often. Wait until the hottest time of day has passed before running your dishwasher, and use the more efficient “energy-saving” or “no heat dry” option.
• Clean the Coils: Vacuum your refrigerator’s coils and, of course, don’t leave the fridge door open longer than necessary.

High Price Period Tips

• Avoid Using Major Appliances: Avoid using appliances such as dishwashers and electric ovens and stoves during high price periods. Instead, enjoy cool meals or use the microwave. A microwave will heat small portions more efficiently than an electric oven or stove.
• Feast on Cold Foods: On hot days when electricity prices are high, enjoy meals that don’t require cooking. Sandwiches, salads and no-cook meals won’t heat up the house, and they taste great on hot days.
• Fire Up the Grill: Grilling can be one of the great joys of summer, and when you cook outside you won’t heat up the kitchen.

Around the House

Everyday Tips

• Save on Lighting: Use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) instead of incandescent bulbs. They use less electricity, produce less heat, and last up to 10 times longer! And always turn off lights when you don’t need them.
• Use Fans: Fans use far less electricity than air conditioning. Use fans alone or with your air conditioner to stay cool for less money.
• Cut Computing Costs: Computers use energy even when they are in standby mode. Set your computer’s energy-saving options for maximum efficiency, and turn off the computer when it’s not in use.
• Save on Laundry: Always wash full loads of laundry and use cold water whenever possible. Make sure the dryer doesn’t keep running after your clothes are dry — or better yet — use a clothesline to save even more energy.
• Adjust the Water Heater Temperature: Set your water heater temperature to 120°F. If the tank feels warm to the touch, add an insulating water heater “blanket,” available at hardware stores.
• Check for Wasted Energy: Many electronic devices use energy even when they are turned off. Common culprits include home entertainment systems, office electronics, and appliances that include rechargeable batteries. Look for appliances that can be unplugged or connected to a surge protector, which can be easily switched off when the appliances are not needed.

High Price Period Tips

• Wait to Wash: When possible, avoid running the washer and dryer during high price periods.
• Use Common Sense: Continue to use your other everyday energy-saving strategies during high priced hours.

In the Yard

• Landscape for Efficiency: Properly placed trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures by as much as 9°F. Plant deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees to the south and west of your home to provide shade. Use evergreens to create winter windbreaks on the north and northwest sides of your home.
• Use Smart Lighting: Use photo sensors, motion detectors or timers to control your outdoor lighting and ensure that it is not left on when it is not needed.
• Go Solar: Where possible, use solar-powered outdoor lighting.

Shopping

• Shop for Savings: Keep energy efficiency in mind when shopping for light bulbs, appliances, and electronics. Look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR© label. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy, while offering high levels of performance and quality.
• Get the Right Air Conditioner: If you are shopping for a new air conditioner, look for energy efficient models that have earned the ENERGY STAR© label, and make sure you buy the proper size. One that is too large will start up and turn off more frequently, and will not do as good a job at dehumidifying the air.

Get Out and Stay Cool

Plan summer activities that will help reduce your home air conditioning use while you stay cool and have fun. Here are a few ideas:

• Dive In: Go swimming. You’ll stay cool while you have fun and get in shape!
• Head to the Movies: Enjoy a movie in an air conditioned theater.
• Explore Culture: Plan your outings for hot days and get cool, and cultural, inside one of Illinois’ many (air conditioned) museums or art galleries.
• Hit the Books: Head to your local air conditioned library to catch up on your summer reading.
• Go Window Shopping: Get out of the house and take a stroll in an air conditioned mall.