Warm weather tips

We want to help you manage your energy costs. Instead of reaching for the thermostat when it is hot and humid outside, take a conservative approach to staying cool and keeping costs down. The following summer energy savings tips will help you save money and energy.

 

Seal up leaks

Remember that insulation and sealing air leaks can help improve your home's energy performance because they help you keep the cool air you have paid to cool inside your home.

Seek some shade

Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units but do not block the airflow.

Turn up the savings

Adjust your home's thermostat up two degrees in the summer.

Be a fan of fans
  • Use a fan even when your air conditioner is running so you can spread the cooled air more effectively throughout your home without having to adjust the thermostat.
  • Turn off fans in rooms not in use. Fans are effective at cooling you – not the room.
  • Fans help circulate the air in your home. Moving air makes you feel cooler, so you can set your thermostat at a higher temperature during the summer and still feel comfortable.
     

Consider a whole-house fan

Whole-house fans can help cool your home by pulling cool air through the house and exhausting warm air out through the attic. Whole-house fans are effective primarily when they are operated at night because that is typically when the outside air is cooler than the inside.

Help your thermostat
  • Do not place lamps or electronic equipment, such as a TV set near your home's thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than it needs to.
  • Adjust your thermostat up two degrees in the summer. Using a programmable thermostat can help you save up to 10% energy usage.

Utilize drapes and blinds

Keep curtains, drapes and blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to prevent the sun's rays from heating your home.