Oklahoma’s blazing summers and often freezing winters lead to some sizable swings in our monthly electric bills. Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is the local leader in expert electrical services in Claremore, Oklahoma, and we’d like to share some simple energy-saving tips to lower electric bills.
1. Install and Program a Smart Thermostat for Better Efficiency
Want a simple upgrade that can save real money? A smart thermostat learns your habits and adjusts temperatures automatically based on your schedule. Set your cooling to a comfortable temperature when you’re home and raise it while you’re away. In winter, drop the heat while you sleep.
Many local utility providers offer rebates for installing a smart thermostat; be sure to check with PSO or OG&E for available discounts.
2. Schedule Appliance Use Outside of Peak Usage Hours
Utility companies often charge more during peak usage hours, typically from 2 to 7 p.m. in summer. By running your dishwasher or laundry machines in the early morning or late evening, you’ll avoid inflated rates and ease pressure on the grid.
Use the delay-start feature on appliances or pre-cool your home just before peak times.
3. Switch to LED Lighting in High-Traffic Areas
LED lighting consumes up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and lasts far longer. Focus first on the kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor fixtures that see heavy usage.
You’ll start seeing lower bills almost immediately, especially during winter, when lights stay on longer during shorter daylight hours.
4. Improve Your Home Insulation for Year-Round Savings
Drafty homes soak up energy all year long. One of the best tips to lower electric bills is investing in improved home insulation, particularly in the attic and around windows. In Claremore’s hot summers, proper insulation makes your AC work less. In winter, it prevents heat from escaping.
Add weatherstripping, seal gaps, and consider an insulation upgrade to maximize comfort and reduce energy costs.
5. Upgrade Outdated Appliances to Energy-Efficient Models
Older refrigerators, washers, and dryers can use significantly more electricity than newer models. If your appliances are more than 10 years old, consider appliance upgrades that carry the ENERGY STAR® label. Modern designs prioritize energy efficiency, which can significantly reduce operating costs. Also, check for rebates on qualified appliance upgrades.
6. Don’t Overlook Regular HVAC Maintenance
Your HVAC system does heavy lifting during Claremore’s weather extremes. A yearly tune-up by your local HVAC company will ensure everything runs efficiently and won’t consume more power than necessary. Replace air filters every 30 to 90 days and keep your vents and returns clean and unobstructed.
Proper maintenance can extend the life of your unit and help you lower your energy bills over time.
7. Use Ceiling Fans to Supplement Your Cooling and Heating
Ceiling fans are at the heart of one of the best tips to lower electric bills through better HVAC system efficiency. In hot weather, set your fans to spin counterclockwise to push cool air down.
In winter, reverse the direction to redistribute warm air downward. This simple habit allows you to adjust your thermostat a few degrees without sacrificing comfort.
8. Eliminate Phantom Loads From Electronics
Even when turned off, electronics like game consoles, TVs, and chargers draw power. Electricians refer to these as phantom loads. Plugging electronics into smart power strips lets you shut off multiple devices at once, cutting unnecessary electricity usage. In fact, in a tech-savvy home, this can trim up to 10% off your monthly bill.
9. Take Advantage of Local Utility Rebates and Programs
Claremore residents can benefit from a wide range of incentives offered by utility companies. OG&E’s SmartHours program and PSO’s efficiency rebates cover everything from smart thermostat installation to LED lighting and insulation upgrades.
Visit their websites to check your eligibility and apply. It’s a great way to subsidize your energy-saving investments.
10. Get a Professional Home Energy Audit for Custom Solutions
Still unsure where to begin? A professional home energy audit can pinpoint leaks, inefficiencies, and outdated equipment in your Claremore home. With accurate information, you’ll know exactly which improvements will deliver the biggest return on investment.
Why Claremore Residents Trust Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric
Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric is more than just another service provider; we’re part of the Claremore community. Now that we’ve discussed these tips to lower electric bills, check out our post on saving money on winter heating bills.
Oklahoma’s wide variety of weather requires smart energy choices, and we’re here to help you make them. Contact Quality Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electric today and let’s discuss personalized recommendations for your home and family’s needs.
