10 Ways to Stay Cool, Save Energy
Even in the dog days of summer, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to stay within your energy budget. These energy-saving tips can help:
1.	On moderate days, open windows and let outside air cool your house. When you’re running the air conditioner, be sure to keep windows and doors closed.
2.	Use ceiling fans or portable fans to move the air in your home, so you’ll be comfortable at a higher temperature. On moderately warm days, fans can circulate enough air to keep you comfortable without air conditioning. Even on hotter days when you use the air conditioner, you can set your thermostat higher and save.
3.	Set your air conditioner thermostat to 78º, or to the highest temperature you can be comfortable. Raise the thermostat setting to 82º or higher when you are away from home.
4.	Turn off lights you’re not using and TV sets you’re not watching.
5.	Avoid unnecessary trips in and out of the house, especially on the most sultry days. Heat and humidity come in each time you open the door.
6.	Decide what you want before opening the refrigerator door. Standing in front of an open refrigerator makes for an expensive snack.
7.	Keep the sun out of your house. Close blinds, shades or draperies during the hottest part of the day.
8.	Set lamps, TV sets and other heat-producing devices away from the air conditioning thermostat. Heat from a lamp or TV can cause the thermostat to read a higher temperature and keep your air conditioner running more than necessary.
9.	Schedule tasks that add heat to your home – such as baking, drying clothes or ironing – during the cooler morning or evening hours.
10.	Change incandescent light bulbs to energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs. They will use only one-third as much energy and add less heat to your home.
Learn more about saving energy. See our poster, Cut Your Home Utility Bills-Conserve!