Ten cool summer energy-savers
Now that summer temperatures have started to rise, you’ll probably see your energy bill creep up, too. After all, air conditioning is one of your home’s greatest electricity-users, and if you have kids home from school for the summer, they’re probably in-and-out of doors and looking in the fridge often. But West Florida Electric Cooperative offers the following summer energy-saving tips to help keep you keep your cool:
Close shades, drapes and blinds during the hottest part of the day to keep the sun’s rays from heating your house.
Use a microwave or outdoor grill instead of the range or oven, or eat salads and cold cuts.
Plant shade trees, especially on the east and west, to reduce air conditioning costs by up to 30 percent.
Clean the clothes dyer’s lint filter frequently and check the outdoor vent opening. When lint slows the air flow, the dryer runs longer. When the vent is clogged, the clothes get a long, hot, damp, costly tumbling.
Arrange items in your refrigerator for quick removal and return. The longer the door is open, the longer the refrigerator runs, heating the kitchen and raising your air conditioning costs.
Set your air conditioning unit’s thermostat on "auto," never on "fan."
Seal air leaks around doors and windows using caulk and weatherstripping. Check for air duct leaks.
Turn off lights as you leave a room, because lights add heat to the room.
Replace your cooling system’s filters monthly. Make sure registers and return vents aren’t blocked by furniture or drapes
Page created and maintained by West Florida Electric Cooperative, Inc. © 2001.
designed by embryo design