Spring is in the air! With warm weather around the corner, now is the time to prepare your home to be at its most energy efficient as a rise in temperatures often correlates with increased energy usage.

Below are a few valuable tips to help save energy and lower costs:

• Check your thermostat. Try keeping your thermostat temperature higher during the summertime, if health permits. According to the Department of Energy, you can save as much as 10% a year on cooling costs by simply turning your thermostat up 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
• Have your air conditioning unit serviced and cleaned. Systems should be inspected and maintained by a professional to ensure everything is running smoothly. You should also change the air filter regularly. For cost savings, you can clean your unit yourself with an AC coil cleaner.
• Track your usage. You can monitor and manage energy use through Atlantic City Electric’s “My Account”. You can also get notifications if your energy usage increases and receive personalized savings tips for your home.
• Keep cool air in and hot air out. Use caulking or weather-stripping around drafty windows and doors to help prevent warm air from entering your home.
• Keep the hot sun out. Invest in awnings or swap out your current curtains for a blackout option. This provides additional shade and keeps your home cool. If this isn’t in the budget, keeping the current blinds or shades closed during the hottest times of the day will also help reduce cooling costs.

If you’re a homeowner or renter in New Jersey, Atlantic City Electric’s Whole Home Energy Assessment Program is available both virtually and in-person. During this assessment, an energy analyst will perform a walk-through, provide a report with recommendations, and may also install energy saving products at no cost.

You can explore more resources at atlanticcityelectric.com/BillSupport to help reduce energy usage, save on monthly bills and learn about energy assistance programs.