The triple digit temperatures that our area experienced in mid-July will likely impact utility bills for most folks, including members of Fayette Electric Cooperative (FEC).  In addition to encouraging the public, and its members and employees to stay hydrated, FEC is sharing tips on how to conserve energy and keep your electric bill in check. 

No-cost tips:

• Save heavy housework such as washing dishes, using the oven and washing clothes for the cooler parts of the day.  These appliances create heat and moisture that put an extra strain on your air conditioner.
• Cook with a microwave when possible. Microwaves use 70 percent less energy than an electric or gas oven, and don’t heat up the house. 
• Keep direct sunlight out as much as possible.  Close curtains, shades and blinds to hold down the temperature inside your home. 
• Turn off and unplug nonessential lights and appliances.
• Be sure the damper is tightly closed on a fireplace to prevent air loss. 

Low-cost tips:

• Change air conditioning filters once a month.  A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you cool – wasting energy.
• Use fans to circulate the air.  The breeze makes the air feel cooler than it is, but don’t leave them running when you’re away.   
• Replace old weather-stripping around doors and windows to prevent leaks. 

Your home’s cooling system, whether it is a central system, window units or fans, is working overtime to keep your home cool.  While it is doing that, it is also using more electricity.  Air conditioning typically is to blame for more than half of your summer electric bill.  One important tip:  If you set your thermostat to 78 degrees when home and a few degrees higher when you’re away for several hours, you’ll save money on your electric bill. 
 

Fayette EC members can also use SmartHub on the cooperative’s website to monitor their energy usage and compare the high temperatures to their daily usage.  To get started, click here.
 

The SmartHub app can be downloaded by FEC members on their mobile devices including smartphones, android devices and tablets. SmartHub provides convenient account management and detailed hourly, daily and monthly usage information. Using the SmartHub application will help FEC members understand how the triple digit temperatures impacted their energy consumption before the utility bill arrives. 
 

Fayette Electric Cooperative is a not-for-profit electric power provider.  That means our mission is to provide our members with the electricity they need to improve their quality of life – not turn a profit for a shareholder.  An important part of that mission entails empowering our members with the tools to manage their electricity usage.