Seasonal tweaks keep your home comfortable and your bill manageable
April 2026
by Jeff Caldwell, Staff Writer
The two most popular watercooler topics are the weather and the rising cost of, well, almost everything. With spring in full bloom and saving money a perennial concern, now is a great time to take advantage of mild temperatures and make small changes that can lead to meaningful home energy savings.
TAKE A SPIN ON YOUR CEILING FAN
Your ceiling fan isn’t just decorative — it can help lower your heating and cooling costs. While ceiling fans don’t actually cool or heat the air, they create air movement that makes you feel more comfortable year-round.
For maximum benefit, be sure your fan is rotating in the correct direction:
- Counterclockwise in warmer months to create a cooling breeze
- Clockwise in cooler months to push warm air down into living spaces
Using ceiling fans properly can allow you to adjust your thermostat a few degrees while staying comfortable, helping reduce both heating and cooling costs.
STAY OUT OF THE HOT WATER OF HIGH BILLS
Long, hot showers can feel great, but they can also drive up your energy bills. Reducing hot water use is an easy way to save energy and money.
Shorter showers not only lower energy costs, they also conserve water, leaving more for outdoor uses like watering your garden and helping summer plantings thrive.
ADJUSTING YOUR THERMOSTAT CAN DRIVE DOWN YOUR ELECTRIC BILL
Heating and cooling your home is the single biggest contributor to your electric bill. Even small thermostat adjustments of just a few degrees can make a noticeable difference.
When temperatures are cooler, consider putting on an extra layer, such as a sweater or hoodie, and lowering your thermostat. During pleasant spring and fall days, turn off your HVAC system altogether and open windows or use ceiling fans to enjoy a natural breeze.
Your electric co-op offers many additional energy-saving tips and programs designed to help lower your bills year-round. Visit your electric cooperative’s website to learn more about seasonal savings and resources available to you.