Summertime around here is known for occasional extreme temperature spikes. And those spikes can have an impact on your monthly bill. When a stretch of hotter-than-normal weather settles in for a period of days, you’ll likely be using more energy as your air conditioner runs almost constantly. You can help blunt the impact by:
- Turning your thermostat up a couple degrees. (A programmable thermostat can help you save as much as 10% on your yearly energy usage.)
- Closing your blinds, curtains and drapes during the hottest part of the day.
You can get an idea of the temperature extremes that would most likely affect your bill by taking a look at our weather calendar. You’ll be able to see the average daily temperature for each day in your general area and compare it to the average temperature on the same date the previous year.
One way to help mitigate the impact of the heat on your energy usage this summer is to cut back on using your kitchen, which is generally the hottest room in the house.
- Give the oven and stove a break. Make more meals with your slow cooker, air fryer or microwave.
- Make some sandwiches and have a backyard picnic.
- Fire up the grill! Burgers, veggies, chicken, pork chops, etc. The choice is yours.
Go here to find more ways to be energy efficient.
Easy Grilled Barbecue Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 (6-8 ounces) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
Directions
Brush chicken breasts with olive oil. Sprinkle chicken breasts with onion powder. Add salt and pepper. Place chicken on grill over medium heat. Grill for six minutes with lid closed. Use half of the barbecue sauce to coat each breast. Flip and grill for six more minutes with lid closed. Add remaining barbecue sauce. Remove from grill and serve. (Always use a food thermometer to check that the chicken has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.)
