7 Ways to Dial Down Your Energy Bills During Record-High Summer Heat

Meteorologists predict hot, sticky, above-normal temperatures July-September 2023 across most of the country.

Brutal heat has been the norm this summer for Texas and other parts of the central and southern U.S. It’s so sweltering that the weather is considered dangerous in some places. The summer’s long-lasting heat wave is set to impact close to 112 million people nationwide.

With soaring heat comes soaring air-conditioning bills. However, reducing your family’s energy costs is possible by following some smart, practical, cost-cutting tips. Here are seven ways you and your family can dial down your energy bills.

1.    Service HVAC systems regularly

With the hottest part of summer still ahead, your system will be working even harder. Phoenix, for example, has experienced two solid weeks of temperatures reaching or exceeding 110◦ F and could extend beyond 14 days. Scientists predict 2023 will be the hottest year ever.

To ensure you get the best cooling performance and efficiency possible, find a reliable contractor to keep your all-electric heat pump well-maintained and serviced.

2.    Use appliances during non-peak hours

Rather than using stoves, ovens and clothing dryers in the afternoon hours, consider doing so early in the morning or late in the evening. Since these appliances heat up your home, using them during non-peak times can keep homes cooler while lowering energy costs. Peak time for many electricity providers is noon to 6 p.m. when conventional air conditioners are likely in full throttle.

3.    Chill out on chilling empty rooms

One mistake many homeowners make is forgetting to adjust their temperature settings when leaving the house. Whether you’re headed to the beach for the weekend or just headed to work for the day, blasting the air conditioner in an empty house results in unnecessarily high utility bills. 

Multi-zone, all-electric heat pumps allow homeowners to be even more practical with temperature settings. Zoning systems let users set the comfort level and adjust the temperature in each room, so you don’t have to waste energy cooling unoccupied rooms. And with smart apps, you can adjust the settings remotely.

4.    Fire up the grill or chiminea

When temperatures soar, use the grill for cooking to help lower energy usage and save on air-conditioning costs. Alternatively, toaster ovens, air fryers and instant pots use less energy than a larger conventional stove or oven.

Consider getting creative by cooking a pizza in a chiminea to use less energy. Or smoke your favorite meats as an alternative to using your oven.

5.    Consider installing a smart electric panel

 A smart electrical panel, integrated with your all-electric heat pump system, enables homeowners to monitor and control energy consumption on-site or remotely for better overall efficiency and utility cost savings. 

Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US has recently introduced a new integration for our all-electric heat pumps in conjunction with SPAN, maker of the leading smart electrical panel. The collaboration between both award-winning industry leaders will accelerate household electrification and energy efficiency. Although annual savings vary, some homeowners can save $1,000 per year by switching to an all-electric heat pump.

6.    Harness the sun’s energy with solar panels

According to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, the amount of sunlight that strikes the earth’s surface in 90 minutes could power the world’s total energy usage for a full year. Investment in solar panels decreases energy bills and increases your home’s sustainability.

Currently, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) enables the U.S. government to credit taxpayers with 30% of the cost of a solar system the year after installation. Additionally, states, local governments and utility providers offer incentives to reduce installation costs. Solar-sourced power is a great fit with all-climate heat pumps which require minimal electricity to operate.

7.    Upgrade conventional systems to an energy-saving heat pump

 The IRA incentivizes homeowners that opt for energy-efficient air-conditioning and heating options that replace fossil-fuel-fired furnaces. This includes qualified Mitsubishi Electric heat pumps.

According to MarketWatch, heat pumps are the cleanest way to air-condition and heat homes. This article reveals that more energy-efficient cooling, heating, power and water usage can equal savings that reduce household budgets and homeowners’ carbon footprint.

All-climate heat pumps increase energy savings while making your home more sustainable. Find out how you can benefit from heat pump incentives introduced by the IRA today.