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Beat the Heat Tips


Beat the Heat

Wow, we have had some record high temps this summer. Here are some of MID Summer Energy Saving Tips to keep you cool and save you some money.

Did you know that air conditioning can account for as much as half of your electric bill? Although most households will always use more electricity in summer than in winter, there is a lot you can do to keep your summer electric use under control. Here are some great ways for you to stay cool and save some dough!

· The numbers to live by are 78–85. Keep your thermostat at 78 or higher when you’re home. Set it at 85 when you’ll be away for a few hours.
· Portable and ceiling fans can circulate air and help you feel cooler for a fraction of the cost of air conditioning, but always make sure to turn them off when you leave the room. (Plus, if you install a whole-house fan, you could get a $100 MPower rebate as a bonus.)
· Avoid heat build-up indoors by keeping your blinds and curtains drawn during the heat of the day and limiting your daytime appliance use. You’d be surprised how much heat ovens, dishwashers and clothes dryers can add to your home.
· Open windows at night to catch a cooling breeze.
· If you have a highly energy efficient home, on super-hot days, pre-cool your home by running the air conditioner a short time in the early morning.