Summer Saving Tips — June 2009

Each degree cooler will increase your energy use by 6 to 8%. Setting your thermostat at 72 in the summer could increase energy use by up to 40%.

Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.

Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind chill effect.

Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.

On hot days, avoid using the oven; cook on the stove, use a microwave oven, or grill outside. (And as a bonus...this gives you a built in excuse not to cook!)

Install efficient lighting that runs cooler. Only about 10%–15% of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light—the rest is turned into heat.

A/C units shaded by trees or other means work more efficiently and use up to 10% less electricity.

Check with your electric provider to see if they have any incentives or rebates for energy efficiency improvements.

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