TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR ELECTRIC BILLS LOW THIS SUMMER As the temperature begins to rise, so do electric bills. Greater energy output equals greater dollar output. It's a frustrating reality of summer. But there are a few tips and tricks that can help you keep your energy usage - and costs - down. Take care of the Air Conditioner- The air conditioner can account for as much as 50 percent of your electric bill in the summer. Setting and maintaining it correctly can help. An air conditioner set at 70 degrees can cost twice as much to operate as one set at 78 degrees. Setting it for a higher temperature when you are out of the house is a given for keeping costs down. Turning the air conditioner off will cost you more in the long run. It's less efficient to cool the house back down than to leave the air conditioner set at a higher temperature. Programmable Thermostats: If you don't have a way to automatically program the temperature (or if it's time for an upgrade), a small investment can pay big dividends. New wave products use smart technology to help keep you comfortable and keep costs down. Some of these new products even learn your schedule, program themselves and can be controlled from your phone. When used efficiently they can lower your heating and cooling bills up to 20 percent. Replacing your filters regularly can also help. Clogged, dirty filters block airflow and make a unit work much harder. A clean filter can save up to 10 percent on your bill. Cover those windows: A method that is frequently used to keep heat in during the winter time, can also effectively keep the chill from the air conditioner in the house during the warm summer months. Keeping windows and drapes closed during the day can reduce cooling costs by 30 percent. If you get afternoon sun, adding thermal-backed drapes and exterior solar shades can also help keep costs down. Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans use about as much energy as a 100-watt bulb, but they can make a room feel up to eight degrees cooler. But make sure you are using it right. Turn the fan blades counterclockwise during summer months so the air is being pushed down into the room. You'll also want to turn fans off when you are away from home. Ceiling fans don't actually cool your home; they only circulate air to make you feel cooler. So when you're at home, by all means, let your fans whirl away. But allowing the blades to spin for hours when you're gone just adds to your electric bill. Turn Lights Off: Turning off your lights during the day is an easy way to conserve energy and lower your electric bill. Also, turn them off when you leave a room at night. Avoid Using the Oven: The oven is hot, and not just inside. It can also heat up the kitchen and raise the temperature of your home, which means you're using more energy. A ny time you use a toaster oven, electric skillet, slow cooker or microwave, you use less energy. A microwave uses as much as 90 percent less energy than the oven. Wait until dark: Running washing machines and dishwashers at night can help you conserve energy and keep electric bills lower because the appliances don't have to fight with your air conditioner. These appliances produce heat, which will cause your air conditioning to work harder. | 
