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Summer is here and the temps are high. You may have noticed an increase in your latest electric bill due to warmer temperatures. That’s most likely because your air conditioner is running full-force to keep you comfortable.

An energy-efficient home will help keep you comfortable while saving you money. Whether you take simple steps or make larger investments to make your home more efficient, you will see lower energy bills. Over time, those savings will typically pay for the cost of improvements.

As your energy partner, WFEC is here to help you find ways to stretch your energy budget. For big savings this summer, develop some good energy savings habits. Little changes in your behavior can make a big
difference.

• Use your ceiling fans – it can make you feel one to two degrees cooler than the actual temperature.

• While dusting your ceiling fan blades, make sure they are rotating in the counterclockwise direction for optimal cooling.

• Caulk and weather strip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside. This can save you ten percent or more on energy bills.

• Consider adding insulation.

• Seal your AC ducts – air loss through them can account for about 30 percent of a cooling system’s energy consumption.

• Inspect or replace your AC filters monthly. This will help keep your cooling system running more efficiently.

• Wash clothes in cold water and clean the dryer lint filter after each use.

• Clean and check the clothes dryer outside exhaust vent.

• Consider putting up a clothesline to save energy.

• Install a programmable thermostat and program it to automatically increase the temperature when you are not at home and when you are sleeping.

• Set your thermostat on 78 degrees and use fans to help circulate cooler air. For each degree you set your thermostat higher in the summer, you can save on your monthly cooling costs.

• Use a microwave or toaster instead of the oven. Also utilize your range hood when cooking.

• Keep blinds and windows closed during the day and open at night. Consider installing energy-efficient window coverings, too. They will let natural light in but prevent solar heat gain.

• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher’s heat drying cycle.

• Use the bathroom fan when taking a shower or bath – this helps remove heat and humidity from your home.

The tips listed here really will help save money if you implement them. The great thing is that many of these are very easy to incorporate into your daily routines and don’t take that much extra time or effort. To find out more about how you can implement small changes to save, visit www.westflorida.coop.