Save Energy and Money This Summer

Keep your summer energy costs low so you're free to enjoy the beautiful weather. Here are a few things to help make that happen.

Use cold water to wash clothes and learn to love line drying when weather permits. If you have to use the dryer, clean the lint trap often and don't over dry. It's not good for your clothes or your energy bill to let the dryer run longer than necessary.

Run your dishwasher when there's a full load and towel dry dishes. This not only will conserve energy but will also keep it from heating up the house.

Utilize your microwave. It's a simple and fast way to cook. Most importantly, it won't heat up the house. If you need to use the regular stove, keep it short and fast. Restrict its use to early morning and evening.

Turn off and unplug unneeded appliances. Especially the ones with the little ready lights, those do use energy. Use a power strip to turn your computer on and off.

Get a programmable thermostat. Set it to a higher temperature when you aren't going to be home. Then program it to start cooling the house when you arrive home. There's really no reason to have a nice cool home if no one is there to enjoy it.

Replace air conditioner filters often, especially if you live in a particularly dusty area. Clogged filters will make the system run longer and increase energy use. Changing the filters will help the units run efficiently and prolong their life.

Replace your air conditioner. A unit that's 20 years old uses a lot more energy than a new one. Replacing it can mean all the difference on your electric bill.

Seal any gaps around doors and windows. These can be energy eaters in summer or winter. Check all weather stripping and seals at least twice a year, replace when necessary.

Make sure you attic fan is working properly. Hot air collecting in your attic will heat up you house. With a properly working fan, it will pull out the heated air and push cool outside air in through windows.

Use window coverings. The sun can be energizing and pleasant, but it'll also heat your house up. Keep your curtains and shades pulled during the heat of the day. If possible, consider installing awnings to shade sunny windows and doors.

Use your ceiling fans and free standing fans. They not only circulate air but will also help it to feel cooler.

Turn off the pilot light on your furnace. You don't need it burning all summer long.

Close off the vents and doors of unused rooms. If no one is going to be in there, it doesn't need to be cooled. You can even lay towels by the bottoms of the doors to keep heat from sneaking in.

Following one or all of these tips will help to reduce not only you energy bills, but also your energy use.