Are Soaring Temperatures Bringing Soaring Utility Bills?

If you've been keeping an eye on the news lately, you know that temperatures have been on the rise. The extreme heat is making it hard for many people to stay cool and comfortable, and it's also putting a strain on energy resources.

In this blog post, we're going to take a look at how the soaring temperatures are affecting energy bills across the U.S., and what homeowners can do to keep their costs down.

Temperatures Rising Across the U.S. in 2022

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures across the United States are expected to continue rising in the coming years. In fact, we are already seeing record-breaking temperature levels halfway through 2022.

This news is especially concerning for homeowners, as high temperatures can lead to higher energy bills. When air conditioners have to work overtime to keep homes cool, it uses more energy and drives up costs.

Energy Costs On the Rise

As temperatures rise, we are also seeing a rise in costs to power homes. In fact, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts that U.S. residential electricity prices will increase by 3.9% between June and August 2022 - as compared with the same months last year.

What That Means for Energy Bills

So, what does all this mean for your energy bills? Well, it depends on several factors, including the climate you live in and the efficiency of your home.

If you live in an area that's prone to high temperatures, your energy bills will likely go up during the summer months. However, if your home is energy-efficient, you may not see as much of an increase.

The good news is that there are things you can do to minimize the impact of rising temperatures on your utility bills. One way is to make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible.

Who's Getting Hit the Hardest

Homeowners who live in warm climates and have older homes are likely to see the biggest impact on their energy bills. This is because their homes are less efficient and require more energy to keep cool.

However, even if you live in a warmer climate or own an older home, there are options to update and upgrade your home to make a big impact. 

How Energy Efficiency Can Save Money and Keep You Cool

One way to combat rising energy costs is to make your home more energy-efficient. There are several ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to get an energy audit.

An energy audit is an assessment of your home's energy use. It can help you identify areas where your home is losing energy, so you can make changes to improve efficiency.

The Most Energy-Efficient Options for Your Home

Once you've had an energy audit, you'll know what changes you need to make to improve the efficiency of your home. Some common options include:

-Installing new windows and doors

This can help to seal in cool air and keep out heat. Old, run-down windows can severely decrease the energy efficiency in your home and can also account for up to 30% of your electricity bill. 

-Upgrading your insulation

This will help to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by sealing in the temperature you want. 

-Using energy-efficient appliances

Appliances like refrigerators and air conditioners use a lot of energy, so it's important to choose energy-efficient models.

-Improving ventilation

This will help to circulate air and keep your home comfortable. Ventilation can be addressed both by having your HVAC system inspected, as well as having your roof checked out. 

-Installing solar panels

Solar panels can help maximize your home’s efficiency by harnessing the power of the sun to energize your home and cut down on energy bills. 

These are just a few of the most common options, but there are many others. The key is to find the ones that will work best for your home and your budget.

Getting Started: Energy Audit

If you're ready to start saving money on your energy bills, the first step is to get an energy audit. An energy audit is an assessment of your home's energy use. It can help you identify areas where your home is losing energy, so you can make changes to improve efficiency.

There are several ways to get an energy audit, but one of the most common is to contact your local utility company. Many utility companies offer free or discounted audits for their customers.

Another option is to hire a professional energy auditor. This may cost more than a DIY audit, but it can be worth it if you need help making changes to your home.

Once you've had an energy audit, you'll know what changes you need to make to improve the efficiency of your home. From there, you can start implementing some of the most energy-efficient options for your home.

Finding a Solar Company

If you're interested in solar power, one of the first steps is to find a reputable solar company. There are many factors to consider when choosing a solar company, including:

-The size and age of your home

This matters because it will affect the amount of power you need. The age and condition of your roof will also impact installation. However, some solar companies offer land-based solar options when roofing is not a viable location. 

-Your energy usage

This will help the solar company determine how many panels you need and the best placement for them. You want to make sure you have enough panels to power your home!

-Your budget

This will help the solar company determine what type of system you can afford. There are newer, more efficient technologies being developed each year!

-Your location

This matters because it will affect the amount of sunlight your panels will receive. Additionally, if you live someplace with an HOA you may need permission to add solar panels to your home. 

Once you've considered all of these factors, you can start looking for a solar company. There are several ways to find a solar company, including:

-Searching online

-Asking friends

-Using TrusDALE to find reliable professionals who’ve been fully vetted

Another way to offset rising energy costs is to install solar panels. Solar panels are a great way to generate clean, renewable energy for your home. And, with the federal solar tax credit, you can get up to 26% of the cost of installing solar panels back in the form of a tax credit.

Takeaways

There are a few things you can do to combat rising temperatures and utility bills. One is to make sure your home is as energy-efficient as possible by getting an energy audit. Another option is to make improvements where you can: doors, windows, insulation, and even installing solar panels to maximize your energy savings. 

If you are ready to update and streamline your home’s energy efficiency, start considering which upgrades are best for you. And when you use a TrustDALE certified professional for any of your services, you're always protected by Dale's trademark $10,000 Make-It-Right Guarantee. So start looking for trusted professionals in your area today!