Hot Weather Equals Higher Energy Bills. OUC can help you save money when the heat is on. When the temperatures rise, your A/C runs twice as long as it does in the cooler months to keep your home at the same temperature, which can result in a higher bill than usual. Follow these simple energy-saving tips to stay cool this summer.
Save with OUC rebates. Customers can take advantage of rebates to help make their homes efficient, like A/C upgrades, solar window film and more.
Set your thermostat to 78 degrees. Cooling your home can account for more than 50 percent of your utility bill.  Each degree you lower the thermostat below 78 degrees adds six to eight percent more to your cooling costs. Keep your thermostat at its efficiency sweet spot of 78 degrees and see the savings.
Keep the sun out. Use shades, drapes and blinds to keep the sun and heat out, especially on windows that face east or west.
Flip the switch on those ceiling fans. Ceiling fans create a wind chill effect that allows you to raise your thermostat while maintaining the same level of comfort. Make sure they're turning counter clockwise, but don't forget to turn them off when the room is empty.
Give your A/C a helping a hand. Replace your air filter regularly! Dirty filters restrict airflow, making the system work harder to keep you cool. Set your unit's fan to auto. The auto setting prevents your unit's fan from constantly running and raising your bill.
Make the smart switch. A smart thermostat can save you up to 10 percent on cooling costs by raising the temperature when you're away and cooling things down just before you come home.
OUC's Efficiency Delivered can save homeowners money on improvements that reduce their energy and/or water consumption. The program begins with a free home audit and offers income-based cost-sharing benefits as well as rebates on efficiency upgrades.
OUC is here to help.
OUC is here to help.