Even in the dog days of summer, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to stay within your energy budget.
- 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.
- 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 hot days when you use your air conditioner, you can set your thermostat higher and save.
- Set your air conditioner thermostat to 78º, or to the highest temperature you can be comfortable.
- Turn off lights you’re not using and TV sets you’re not watching.
- 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.
- Keep the sun out of your house. Close blinds, shades or draperies during the hottest part of the day.
- Schedule tasks that add heat to your home- such as baking, drying clothes, or ironing- during the cooler morning or evening hours.
- 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.
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