I’m a savings expert – here’s my top 10 tips to slash your electricity bill as costs sky rocket during warm… – The US Sun

A SAVINGS expert has recommended 10 tips that can help homeowners reduce their electricity bills during the warm weather.

Utility bills have been soaring for months and experts fear that they will be $75 higher on average than in 2020 if gas prices continue to remain high.

Savings experts have recommended a series of tips for homeowners that want to keep energy costs low (stock)Credit: Getty

Portland and Seattle recorded record highs of 102F and 94F this week as a blistering heatwave is currently sweltering the Pacific coast.

Officials fear that the Pacific coast could set temperatures of up to 116F which left Portland sizzling last June.

And, more than 100million Americans were placed under heat-related warnings earlier this month.

Experts at the Pacific Gas and Electricity Company have offered a series of money-saving tips to help homeowners keep their energy bills down.

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COOK OUTDOORS

During periods of hot weather, you should cook outdoors rather than use the oven.

KEEP AIR-CON VENTS AND FILTERS CLEAN

You should also keep the vents of your air conditioning unit clear to stop them from building up debris.

The filters inside the air conditioning unit should be checked frequently as you may end up using more energy if it’s dirty.

And, you should check the system regularly to make sure it’s working properly.

INVEST IN THE RIGHT UNIT

Homeowners that don’t currently have an air conditioning unit may want to invest in one amid the soaring temperatures.

But, experts warn that it has to be the right size as a large unit could use more electricity than needed.

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Air conditioning thermostats should be kept at a minimum of 78F as experts say that every degree above equates to a saving of two per cent.

And, units should be placed away from direct sunlight if you want to reduce your energy usage.

FANS

Fans can help keep your room cool but they shouldn’t be used when you’re not in the room.

During the summer, a fan should move in an anti-clockwise direction.

It doesn’t lower the temperature of the room but it helps create a breeze.

DON’T KEEP FANS ON LONGER THAN NECESSARY

Experts at PG&E say that bathroom and kitchen ventilation fans shouldn’t be kept on longer than 10 minutes.

SWITCH OFF LIGHTS

Lights in your home should be switched off when not in use.

Not using the lights will also keep your home cooler, experts say.

OPEN WINDOWS

You should open windows early in the morning or late at night so cool air can enter your home.

It’s a cheaper alternative than using a fan or an air conditioning unit.

But, if it’s hotter outdoors than indoors, you should keep them closed.

Windows that have been covered with blinds or curtains also block the sun.

DO CHORES EARLY OR LATE IN THE DAY

Homeowners should use the longer days to their advantage as washing can be hung up outdoors.

And, they are encouraged to do chores such as the laundry early in the morning or late at night when the temperature is not the highest.

VISIT POOLS OR PARKS

During the summer vacation, families may want to take their kids to a park or a swimming pool to cool off.

FIX GAPS IN YOUR HOME

DIYers should have a caulking gun in their shed and this can be used to seal gaps and cracks that may emerge in doorframes.

The tool can be bought at most hardware stores across the country and it’s relatively cheap.

Covering gaps can prevent warm hair from entering your home.

Analysis from Barclays, which was published in May, revealed that households could see their bills rise by 30-40 per cent, according to Bloomberg.

Srinjoy Banerjee said: “Lower-income households are likely to face greater pressure from commodity prices, especially going into the summer months.”

President Biden revealed that he will take action to help cash-strapped Americans.

The White House said: “As extreme heat continues to affect tens of millions of Americans, hitting low-income families harder than others, President Biden is implementing new programs to help maintain a consistent and affordable energy supply to cool their homes.”

Solar bills could dip by an average of 10 per cent each year.

The White House estimates that the move will benefit 4.5million families.

For more ways to save money, we compiled five tips that can help you cut your broadband bills.