NBC Chicago aired a story Monday about the hike in ComEd bills that went into effect June 1. While many residents of the city are keeping their air conditioners on for the summer, they are also experiencing shock at the 38 percent increase in rates.
One person saw a jump from $20 a month to $75, while another’s latest bill was $150! Have you experienced a significant increase in your monthly electric bill?
Fortunately, there are ways you can keep the costs down this summer – energy efficiency is key. First, your home does not need to be super cool when you aren’t there; turn your thermostat higher a few degrees before you leave. Keep curtains closed on hot, sunny days, as direct sunlight can make a great difference in warmth inside your home, causing your air conditioner to work harder in order to do its job.
You may also want to look into available providers to see who offers the best deal based on the habits of everyone in your household and electricity usage.
If you haven’t already, schedule to have a professional HVAC contractor come inspect your air conditioning system to ensure it is working properly. An inefficient system will mean higher electric bills.
