Alabama Power offers tips to cut cooling costs during hot weather

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Alabama Power said customers may see higher bills during hot weather because energy use increases, but the company said there are steps you can take to reduce costs.

Alabama Power recommends setting thermostats as close to the outside temperature as possible while remaining comfortable. The utility said raising a thermostat two or three degrees can lower energy usage by 10%. The lower a thermostat is set, the higher energy usage becomes.

Air conditioning units typically account for 50% or more of a home’s monthly energy usage, according to Alabama Power. The company said homeowners do not have to rely solely on their AC units to keep homes cool.

Alabama Power recommends sealing doors and windows and reducing direct sunlight entering the home.

Anthony Cook with Alabama Power said direct sunlight can cause a home to heat up faster and force AC units to work harder.

“That’s one thing that causes your home to heat up quicker, and it makes your unit work harder. Those are things that can waste the energy that you’re using, and we want you to be as efficient as possible,” Cook said.

Alabama Power also recommends switching air filters to help units run more efficiently and replacing light bulbs with LED lights, which use 75% less energy than regular light bulbs.

Find more tips from Alabama Power by clicking or tapping here.

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.