Summer Saving Tips: Reigning in Utility Bills

Right now, the weather is still manageable, but soon we will be smack-dab in the middle of swampy, hot weather.

Those temperatures can send some homeowners into a financial tailspin. Between energy costs, vacation expenses, back-to-school spending and being stuck indoors, the summer tab can add up. The financial experts at Broussard Poché, LLP have a few tips homeowners should keep in mind during the upcoming summer months.

  1. The Right Clothes: Turn up the temperature on the A/C and take off those trendy layers of clothes. Try to keep the thermostat around 78 degrees, even at night. Trade those cozy pajamas for cooler clothes and less blankets.
  2. Weather Proofing: An alarming amount of cool air might be leaking out of your home right now. Check your home’s insulation to make sure that cool air isn’t leaking out through windows, doors and even the floors. It would be worth the money in the long run to have a professional help sure up those leaks.
  3. New Thermostat: Programmable thermostats let you adjust your cooling when you’re not home. That way you can turn up the A/C after you leave for work and have it turn down again automatically before you come home.
  4. Save Money Elsewhere: Even if you put all of the above tips into practice, bills can rise during the summer. Consider a few other cost saving tips in other areas of your life.
    • Healthcare costs: Employees who have contributed money to flexible spending accounts usually have until the end of the year to spend that money. While it’s still few months away, check to see what’s eligible, things like new glasses, dental exams, and physical therapy. The healthcare saving can help pay those high bill
    • Budgets: If the vacation season left you a little high and dry for cash, try and rework your monthly budget to compensate. If you expect your utility bills to go up, plan for it in advance.
    • Grill Out: Firing up the oven and stove can contribute to more heat and humidity in your home as well as a higher electric bill. Consider grilling out a bit more on the cooler summer evenings and utilizing leftovers

Just putting a few of these tips into motion can help you save during the summer months. The experts at Broussard Poché, LLP can also help walk you through a few of the more complicated prospects you may be thinking about when trying to financially beat the heat.