Thank you to Evergy for sponsoring this article.
Wichita families know that our summers get HOT and our winters get COLD – which means our heating and AC units are often working overtime.
In a time where energy costs are a major concern for many households, Wichita’s low cost of living provides a substantial financial relief. In addition, as customers themselves living right here in Wichita, Evergy employees are working smarter and more efficiently to keep rates low for all of us.
Save money on your bill with these simple tools and strategies.
- Adjust Thermostat Settings: During the summer, each degree you set your thermostat above 75 degrees cuts your cooling costs by about 3%. During peak heating and cooling periods, consider using fans to circulate air or dress warmly to avoid cranking up the heat (but turn fans off when you leave the room!).
- Seal Drafts: Check for drafts around windows and doors, as they can lead to significant heat loss or gain. Use weather stripping or draft stoppers, which are inexpensive or even free if repurposed from materials at home, to block these leaks. Keeping the cold or hot air from entering your home will help maintain a more consistent temperature.
- Use Curtains & Blinds Wisely: In the winter, make the most of daylight by opening blinds and curtains during the day. Sunlight can warm your home naturally in the winter, reducing the need for heating. Conversely, closing curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day in summer can help keep your home cooler and reduce air conditioning use.
- Unplug Electronics: Devices and chargers that are plugged in but not in use still consume energy. Unplugging electronics or using a power strip to easily turn off multiple devices at once can prevent this “phantom” energy drain and save you around $100 per year.
- Maintain Appliances: Regularly clean and maintain appliances such as refrigerators and HVAC systems. Dusting off refrigerator coils and ensuring filters are clean can improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Avoid using appliances during peak hours (4-8pm). Wait to run the dishwasher or do laundry until you have a full load to get the best bang for your buck!
- Utilize Evergy’s Free Online Tools to Make Sure You’re Maximizing Savings: Evergy offers helpful online tools for customers to ensure they are saving money on energy:
-
- Evergy Rate Plan Comparison Tool — See if you are on the plan that will save you the most money based on your home and lifestyle.
- Energy Analyzer — Evergy has a number of energy engagement tools, like their Usage and Cost Trends, which lets you compare costs month over month, or their Analyze My Usage tool, that will break down your use by appliance.
Evergy customers already enjoy low energy rates, and by implementing these free strategies, Wichita families can save even more. Adopting these practices not only lowers utility bills but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Questions? Evergy can help! Check out Evergy Connect with walk-in hours Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
