6 Ways to Reduce Home Energy Bills During the Summer Months

Although wintertime can often drag on seemingly forever, summer will be here before you know it. And while you should certainly enjoy your extra time with the kids, don't ignore the increased expenses due to summer vacations and other entertainment activities.

One way to offset additional costs is to take measures to reduce your home energy bills. The average annual home energy bill is roughly $2,200, and in many cases a majority of this is spent during the summer - so why not look for as many ways to save money as possible?

Here are six tips to reduce your energy bills during the hot months:

1. Adjust Your Thermostat
Adjusting your thermostat by just three degrees can have a significant impact on your home energy bills. Will there really be much of a difference if you adjust your air condition from 72 degrees to 75 ? Put on some shorts and a tank top to keep cool, and enjoy the savings.

2. Use Your Ceiling Fans
If your home doesn't have ceiling fans, it may be a worthwhile investment to have them installed. While the upfront costs can be significant, the long-term savings can easily outweigh them. Be sure that your ceiling fans are always rotating in the proper direction: clockwise in the winter to push warm air downward, and counterclockwise in the summertime to draw hot air upward.

3. Consider Multiple Energy Providers
If the energy industry has been deregulated in your state, you are free to check the rates of multiple energy providers. You may be eligible for money-saving opportunities such as sign-up bonuses and other discounts. Plus, you may find that one company offers much better rates than the others.

4. Open Doors and Windows During Cool Weather
Open the windows and doors of your home early in the morning and cool your house naturally. After the sun sets, do the same thing. Just make sure to turn off your air conditioning.

5. Invest in an Energy Audit
Plenty of energy providers offer the added customer benefit of a home energy audit. If you receive an audit, a representative from the company inspects the interior and exterior of your home and provides a list of the ways you can reduce your energy bills. Some do it for free; however, even if you are charged a small fee, it's still a good investment.

6. Go Green
There are a variety of products you can invest in to green your home and reduce energy bills at the same time. CFL lightbulbs, energy efficient windows, and all appliances with the ENERGY STAR label can help cut your energy usage. Just remember that the best time to buy some of these larger appliances is around a holiday, such as Memorial Day or the Fourth of July, when retailers offer sales.

Final Thoughts
By making an effort to cut your energy usage, you could save up to $40 or $50 a month, which may help you greatly over the long-term. For instance, if you're currently 30 years old, cutting your summer home energy bill can result in well over $10,000 in additional savings that you can invest in your retirement. When you look at it that way, it should be a lot easier to put some of these ideas into place.

What other ways can you suggest to save money on home energy?