This simple tip could save you money on your electricity bill during hot Oklahoma summers

Hot Oklahoma summers mean a dreaded, inevitable spike in energy bills.

Luckily, you can use practical and effective strategies to reduce these expenses while not necessarily compromising your family's comfort.

Here are some simple yet significant tips from local experts and energy providers to help residents stay cool while keeping their wallets healthy.

Plan your AC use

Utility and HVAC companies often tout 78 degrees as the ideal temperature to set your thermostat in the summer for peak electricity savings and to ensure your AC unit isn't overworked, but it's unclear where this number comes from.

Often, ENERGY STAR, run by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, is cited as the source which determined 78 as the magic number.

But according to The Palm Beach Post, ENERGY STAR doesn't recommend any specific temperature.

“ENERGY STAR does not assert that any particular temperature setting is good for households,” the EPA said in an email to The Palm Beach Post. 

Still, it's a good idea to utilize these tips from Suntech Heat and Air, an HVAC servicer based in Edmond, for keeping your house cool in the summer:

• Change your air filter frequently — generally this is recommended for every three months, but should be done more often during periods of heavy use or if you have kids or pets in the home. A dirty filter can restrict air circulation and make your air conditioning unit work harder than necessary in the summer heat.
• Adjust your thermostat when you leave the home. Keep it at a higher temperature while you're gone to give your air conditioning a chance to rest, especially during the hottest part of the day when most people are at work.
• Use fans, including ceiling and floor fans, to keep air circulating and help the house feel several degrees cooler.
• Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible to avoid letting outside air heat up the house and making your AC work harder.
• Check to make sure there aren't any plants, grass, weeds or debris blocking the airflow to your outdoor unit.

Install a smart thermostat

Investing in a smart thermostat can make planning your AC use easier, as it helps set your AC on a schedule and can control the temperature from your phone even when you're not at home.

According to the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative, smart thermostats are one of the best ways to make your home more energy efficient while saving money on your electric bill during Oklahoma's summer heat.

For more information on smart thermostats, visit oecfiber.com/buyers-guide/.