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Budget Friendly Ways to Beat the Heat: Tips to Keep Rising Utility Costs Down for the Month of July
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July is the time for family cookouts and vacations, but it’s also time for sweltering heat and the urge to spend whatever we must to bring some relief. When the swimming pool and ice cream truck just won’t cut it, there are other ways to keep our body temperatures and utility costs down without breaking the bank.
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We want to help you keep your electric bill as low as possible this month. We also don’t want you to overload your air conditioning unit and potentially need a costly repair. Set your thermostat as high as is comfortably possible for you. Any setting above 78 degrees can save you money.
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Limit the Use of Heat-Producing Appliances |
Save those comfort family meals for cooler months to cut down on oven-use. Dishwashers and clothing dryers can also cause your house to heat up more than usual, so avoid using them during peak daytime hours. Use outdoor grills and your microwave whenever possible.
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Check and Replace Air Filters |
A dirty air filter reduces airflow and forces your cooling system to work harder, increasing energy consumption. Regularly clean or replace your air filters as needed, typically every month during the summer.
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Electronics and appliances draw a trickle of power even when turned off, contributing to heat generation and increased energy consumption. Unplugging them when not in use can help save energy.
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Long-Term Energy Saving Tips |
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Evaporative coolers (swamp coolers): These are particularly efficient in dry climates and use water evaporation to cool the air, consuming significantly less energy than traditional air conditioners.
- Heat pumps: These systems can provide both heating and cooling efficiently, moving heat rather than generating it. They can be a good option for year-round savings.
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Insulate and seal air leaks: Proper insulation and air sealing are crucial to preventing cool air from escaping, and hot air from entering your home. Focus on areas like attics, walls and around your windows and doors.
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Install a programmable or smart thermostat: These devices allow you to set temperature schedules based on your routine, optimizing cooling and saving energy. Smart thermostats can even adjust settings remotely or based on occupancy detection.
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Seek Assistance with Utility Bills: We all Need a Little Help Sometimes |
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): This federal program provides assistance with heating and cooling costs, energy crisis assistance, and weatherization. Contact your state or tribal LIHEAP office for eligibility and application information. You can also call the National Energy Assistance Referral (NEAR) number at 1-866-674-6327 for help finding assistance.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): WAP helps with home improvements that save money on energy bills, including insulation and air sealing. Check your state's WAP office for eligibility details.
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Contact your utility provider: Many utility companies offer payment plans or assistance programs for customers experiencing financial hardship.
- Dial 211: Contacting 211 can connect you with specialists who can help you navigate utility assistance programs and other resources.
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Check out July’s edition of Financial Friday, Oklahoma Money Matters' online personal finance question-and-answer forum. This month, we’re answering a question about budgeting when it feels overwhelming.
As always, if you have money-saving tips you'd like to share, send us an email at OklahomaMoneyMatters@ocap.org or submit a personal finance question for a future edition of Financial Friday.
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We offer webinars for educators, students and parents on budgeting, saving, credit, and more. If you want to schedule a webinar, complete our workshop form and we'll contact you to plan the details.
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