by Laurie Childree

Created on: June 18, 2009   Last Updated: July 29, 2009

The summer is here again and temperatures are rising fast leading some to turn the thermostat down as low as it'll go in order to stay cool. This not only makes it harder for us to go outside even when there is no other choice but it also increases the amount of electricity consumed during the summer months. The summer is usually when the highest utility bills are seen which makes reducing electricity consumption vital during these months to ensure that other areas are not neglected. The fact that energy rates are often higher during the summer means that any measure we take to control the amount of energy used is vital.

The air conditioning is the largest portion of electricity consumption during the summer. This means the air is where the conservation efforts begin. If you still use room air conditioners only turn on the ones that you are actually using and don't set them as cold. If you use a central air and heating unit then turn the thermostat up until its set around 78 degrees or higher if you can stand it and turn on some fans to circulate the air. If it was only seventy-eight outside versus ninety plus you'd be happy. Every effort to reduce the effort put into cooling will assist in lowering the bills.

When you leave the home you can set the thermostat just a little higher, or invest in a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature. There is no need to cool the home when you're gone or when you go to sleep at night. Using less cover on the bed will help to keep you from getting as hot, so will turning a fan on while you sleep if you want to be colder at night.

Air escaping is another reason for increased electricity consumption in the home during not only summer months but winter months as well. Sealing these leaks will aid in the reduction of energy consumption all year long by ensuring the home maintains its temperature. Dressing for the weather will help you to resist the temptation to turn the thermostat down as you work on fixing those leaks.

Using the natural light that comes with the extended daylight hours instead of turning on lights early in the evening will assist in reducing electricity consumption during the summer as well. Cover the windows with materials that allow light to come in while reducing the amount of heat that comes in through them. If you're still using incandescent light bulbs you are adding heat to the room each time you turn them on. Change the bulbs to energy efficient and you'll reduce

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