Expect an even hotter summer in SC due to El Niño. Here’s how to cut electricity costs
El Niño has officially developed in the tropical Pacific, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, meaning South Carolina should expect many changing weather patterns, including above-normal temperatures this summer.
It’s a naturally occurring weather event that happens every two to seven years and is characterized by warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, which disrupts normal winds and pushes warm water eastward toward the west coast of the Americas.
Scientists say there is a high chance that El Niño will become “super,” meaning its effects will be stronger. If that happens, SC may see stormier weather and an increased chance of flooding. Temperatures will likely also increase, making summer weather in SC even more pesky.
Hotter temperatures lead to higher electricity bills due to increased demand, and cooling costs are expected to be even more expensive compared to last year, according to a report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
This summer, average residential electricity expenditures are expected to increase 10.5% across the country. If you don’t want to cry over your electrical bill in the next few months, follow these tips:
Tips to save electricity
Appliances in the house can use a lot of your electricity, so learning the most effective ways to use them can help reduce your electrical bill. Here are suggestions for different appliances in your house from SC.gov:
Dishwasher water-saving tips
- Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer’s recommendations on water temperature. Many have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater in your home to a lower temperature than what you’re currently using
- Don’t waste water by pre-washing dishes. Scrape off the pieces of food that are leftover
- Be sure the dishwasher is full, not overloaded
- Let your dishes air dry
Refrigerators and Freezers
- Don’t keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold
- Make sure your refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper so it is half in and half out of the refrigerator. If you can pull the paper or bill out easily, the latch may need adjustment, the seal may need replacing, or you may consider buying a new unit
- Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make the compressor work harder
- Regularly defrost freezers and refrigerators; frost buildup decreases the energy efficiency of the unit
Lighting
- Switching to energy-efficient lighting is one of the quickest ways to reduce your energy bills. For high-quality products with the greatest energy savings, choose bulbs that have earned the ENERGY STAR
- LEDs use less energy and are the most efficient light bulbs available
- Consider adding timers and photocells to save electricity by turning lights off when not in use. Dimmers save electricity when used to lower light levels
Air conditioning
When temperatures get annoyingly hot, you might be tempted to crank down the thermostat, but that uses a lot of electricity, nearly 19% of a U.S. household’s electricity usage. There are easy ways to stay cool while cutting AC costs.
- Keep blinds or curtains closed during the day to block heat at the source. A set of blackout curtains can shave a few dollars off your bill
- Try fans before using AC
- Seal cracks/openings that are letting cool air out
- Install a thermostat that automatically raises the temperature when you’re away
- Seal and clean your ducts