Home Cooling Energy Tips

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Summertime brings longer days, barbeques, and tan lines, but not everything is fun in the sun. Trying to keep your home cool can mean higher energy costs. Follow these tips to start saving energy and money!

1. Here's a bright idea.

Efficient LED or CFL lighting uses less energy, but can also help keep room temperatures cooler. Almost 90% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume is turned into heat!

2. While you're away.

Remember to close the blinds when you leave the house. Keeping blinds and curtains closed during the day reduces solar heat gain. Also, if you have a room you don’t use, block off the vents to stop cooling them.

3. Fan Support.

A ceiling fan can provide a cool breeze and circulation, but did you know it also makes your air conditioner more effective? In fact, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.

4. Seal it up.

Moving outside, it’s important to inspect the caulking and weather-stripping around your doors and windows. Make sure your home is air sealed to prevent moisture and heat from entering and cool air from escaping.

5. Take it outside.

Finally, the tastiest tip of the month! Avoid using heat-generating appliances like the oven and microwave for summer food prep. Instead, do your cooking outside on the grill.

Come back each month for more energy-efficient tips to help save you money!