Wondering how to lower your energy costs this summer? In the Pacific Northwest, summer heatwaves can push temperatures into the upper-80s to 90s, causing your home’s air conditioner to work overtime. For homeowners in Washington and Oregon, finding ways to lower electric bills in summer can seem difficult. Luckily, we have some quick fixes to help you save energy and money while staying cool. Here are five simple and effective energy tips to help keep your energy costs affordable when the weather is warm.

1. Use Your Thermostat Wisely 

Optimize your thermostat settings to save money on your electricity bills this summer. The recommended thermostat setting for summer cooling is 78°F. This temperature provides a balance between comfort and energy efficiency. If this isn’t cool enough for your preference, try lowering the thermostat by one degree at a time to find your ideal comfort setting. 

The goal is to stay cool and comfortable without spiking your energy costs. It’s best to avoid drastic setting changes to prevent your AC from overworking itself. 

2. Install a Smart Thermostat

Smart thermostats have made it easier than ever to control indoor temperatures, and are a great option for homeowners looking to lower their electric bill in summer by automatically optimizing energy efficiency. A smart thermostat is Wi-Fi enabled to allow remote control of your system just by using an app on your phone. Many of these devices learn household routines to automatically adjust temperatures for cost savings. With a smart thermostat, you can also set “away” cooling schedules to avoid cooling your home while out of the house or traveling. 

An ENERGY STAR smart thermostat can save homeowners around 8% on heating and cooling bills or $50 per year for the average home.

3.Use Ceiling Fans to Support Cooling

Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect, making people in a room feel several degrees cooler. This allows for higher thermostat settings and lower energy bills. Just remember to turn off the fan when you leave the room since it technically cools people, not the room. 

Getting ceiling fans installed before summer can help you take advantage of these cost savings from the wind chill effect. Make sure you also set your fan to rotate counterclockwise to create a downward breeze.

4. Maintain Your Electrical & Cooling Systems

Routine maintenance is key to energy efficiency for electrical and cooling systems. A spring tune-up ensures your air conditioner is ready for the warm summer months. Your electrical system should also be inspected every few years to ensure proper functioning and identify issues like outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, or faulty components. 

An electrical professional can assess your system to address concerns you may have and identify any hidden hazards. By maintaining these essential systems, you can reap benefits such as higher energy efficiency and lower utility bills.

5. Upgrade to LED Lighting

LED lighting, especially ENERGY STAR rated products, use a minimum of 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. If you haven’t upgraded to energy-efficient lighting yet, now is the time. The U.S. Department of Energy shares that the average homeowner saves $225 in energy costs per year by using LED lighting. LED lights are ideal for under-cabinet lighting, recessed downlights, and replacement light bulbs. Be sure to find a licensed electrical contractor to install new lighting installations and fixtures. 

PPNW Pros Can Help You Lower Energy Costs

Powering Pacific Northwest (PPNW) connects homeowners in Oregon and Washington to licensed and insured electrical professionals. Our electrical contractors specialize in residential work and understand the intricacies of home electrical systems. 

Need a new smart thermostat, LED lighting, or ceiling fans installed? No problem—find a contractor today!

 

If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you know rain is basically part of the scenery. But all that moisture in the air doesn’t just make for soggy shoes; it can affect your home’s electrical system too. Can damp conditions actually cause electrical problems inside your house? The short answer is yes.

In this post, we’ll break down how heavy rain and high humidity can lead to issues like tripped circuit breakers, power outages, and other moisture-related electrical problems. More importantly, we’ll share practical tips to protect your home and keep your electrical system safe, no matter how wet it gets outside.  

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As the long, sunny days of summer fade and crisp autumn air settles across the Pacific Northwest, it’s time to start preparing your home for fall and winter. Colder months often mean turning up the thermostat or enjoying the warmth of a fireplace. While cozy, these habits can increase your energy costs depending on the type of heating you use.

Many homeowners wonder how to stay comfortable without inflating their energy bills. In this guide, we’ll share six practical energy-saving tips for fall and winter, from simple everyday habits to easy home improvements. With these strategies, you can stay cozy and comfortable all season long while keeping your electricity costs under control.
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In today’s economy, every penny counts. Homeowners are often looking for simple ways to save on their electric bills each month. Luckily, there are a handful of easy changes homeowners can make to save a few dollars. 

If you want to stop spending so much on electricity, you’ve come to the right place. From cleaning your refrigerator’s coils to upgrading your home’s wiring, these tips will help you save money in the long run. 

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Thinking about tackling electrical work on your own or hiring someone from sites like Craigslist, Nextdoor, or TaskRabbit to save a few bucks? While those platforms are great for many tasks, electrical jobs are a different story. Electrical work requires expertise and proper licensing to keep your home safe and running smoothly. Learn why choosing a licensed electrician is the smartest move for any homeowner needing electrical repairs or upgrades.

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