The summer heat makes it hard to go outside, but it also raises the cost of staying inside. It seems like your only two options are an expensive electric bill or a sweltering house.

 Luckily, there are ways to lower your electric bill without turning your home into an oven.

 Turn Up Thermostats and Fans

A frequently running air conditioner is the main reason for high summer electricity bills. Try setting your thermostat at 78 degrees to save money while staying cool. How?

 Turn on your ceiling fans! Ceiling fans make rooms four to six degrees cooler and only cost one cent every three hours. If you don’t have ceiling fans, moveable electric fans have the same effect.

Replace Air Filters

With the current Texas heat wave, your air conditioner might be working over time and it might be time to look at the air filter. A dirty air filter causes the a/c to work harder than it should. Your a/c might also make a whistling noise if it’s especially dirty. Replace filters every one to three months for the low cost of $15 to $25.

 Don’t Let Cool Air Leave

If you have old weather-stripping around doors and windows, your cool air (and your dollars) might literally walk out the front door. Old insulation and windowpanes let cool air leave your house, so replace them to trap cool air inside. This will help your a/c efficiently cool the house, lowering energy costs.

We want our members to save as much money as possible, so we hope you’ll use these suggestions. And if you need more extensive window repairs, our home equity loans help cover the cost so you can save hundreds in the long run.