The 100 plus degree days just keep on hammering us this summer. If your electric bill is soaring as a result, we have information to save your wallet.
Southwestern Electric Power hit a record for use this summer. With so many 100 plus degree days, you know bills are going to be higher for all electric customers. But that trip to the mailbox doesn't have to end in shock.
Kristie Obert said, "It will give you a heart attack like it did me. I thought I was going to die." She's talking about her $300 electric bill. So, she joined throngs of other customers making changes to their homes this summer.
La'Dell Lawson with Home Depot said, "It's been very busy, especially at the beginning of this month."
Folks at Home Depot say there are ways of saving money you may not know about. By placing a window film on your windows, you're reflecting the sun's rays.
So, that heat doesn't make its way into your house.
It works best on the west side of your home. And Home Depot says it's selling 25 percent more portable air conditioners than last summer. That means you can cool the rooms you use most without paying to cool the entire house.
You may not think about the lightbulbs in your house. Traditional bulbs put out a lot of heat but the new compact fluorescents are so cool you can touch one without getting burned.
You can lower the temperature on your hot water heater, too. It's naturally warm before it comes in your house. Naturally, you'll want to caulk around your windows and doors.
And as for the thermostat experts, they say you're better off leaving it around 78 degrees all the time instead of raising it when you leave the house. Kristie Obert says her changes have definitely saved her some money.
