This summer, high electricity bills hit many households hard. Fortunately, here in the District, the DC Department of Energy and Environment’s Solar for All (SFA) program has helped combat high energy costs with solar savings.
As a SFA subscriber, you save up to $500 a year on your electricity bill, but every little bit helps when you are trying to stay cool and save. So, we asked a few members of Groundswell’s Customer Service team to share their favorite energy efficiency tips that they use to save money and keep cool while temperatures remain high.
“One of my favorite ways to save lately has been to close my blinds in the afternoon,” said Emily Peck, Subscriber Services Manager. “Keeping the afternoon sun out of your windows can help keep your home cooler and your air conditioning unit doesn't have to work so hard.”
For most homes, air conditioning units use more energy than any other appliance during the summer months, so preventing warm air from entering your home can make a big difference on your total energy bill. Caulking under windows and filling air gaps can reduce energy costs over time, but when your air conditioner runs may also impact your energy costs.
“I check the time of day to make sure I am turning my air conditioner off during on-peak hours to save money,” said Chrissy Randolph, Manager of Customer Support. “I also keep my curtains closed to prevent the sun from heating up the house.”
Warm evenings also offer the opportunity to socialize with food and friends, and the customer service team’s resident foodie shared his favorite way to save on energy costs while having a great time.
“Using grills during the summer is my favorite way to be energy efficient because you get some great food in addition to your lower bill,” said Rashad Williams, Director of Subscriber Services.
Finally, little changes can add up to a big difference when it comes to energy efficiency and electricity bills, and one of our customer support associates has seen one of her habits help her save over time.
“One of my favorite easy ways to save on electricity bills is unplugging electronics that you are not constantly using - like your blender, coffee maker, gaming system, or computer,” said Aryana Sutton, Customer Support Associate. “They can act as energy vampires that continue to draw power from outlets even when they are turned off. You could potentially save a couple of hundred dollars each year just by keeping appliances unplugged when you are not using them.”
For more ways to save on your electricity bills, check out the resources on the DC Sustainable Energy Utility website. Or check out the recording of our recent webinar about energy savings.
Thank you for making a difference for your community and the environment with DC Solar for All.
Groundswell 2023