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20 Ways to Decrease Your Energy Bill During Summer

Turn your thermostat up. You can save 2 to 3 percent of your cooling costs for every degree higher you set your thermostat.
Turn your thermostat up even more when you're going to be away from home. The easiest and most reliable way to do this is to use a programmable thermostat. Heat pumps need programmable thermostats speciﬁcally designed for heat-pump use. It is not usually recommended that you turn your air conditioning off while you're away, because of the build-up of humidity that can occur.
Circulating air with fans will make higher thermostat temperatures more comfortable. Ceiling fans create enough air movement to make it feel four or more degrees cooler while using only about as much energy as a 100-watt bulb. Use fans only when you're in the home. Be sure to switch off when you leave the house.
Check your system's air ﬁlters once a month to see if they need replacing.
Make sure air can circulate freely around your heat pump or air conditioner's outside unit. Keep the area around it clear of plants.
Make sure vents are not blocked by furniture.
Have a heating and air conditioner contractor service your system to make sure it's running at top efficiency.
Check your home's ducts. Leaking ductwork can be the source of up to 25 percent of heating and cooling costs. If you suspect there are problems, contact Jackson EMC for a Right Choice(tm) High Tech Audit to have a professional evaluate your duct system performance.
Use an outdoor grill, microwave or slow cooker to avoid adding heat to the kitchen while cooking.
Try to run only full loads when using your dishwasher. Let your dishes air dry rather than using the heated drying cycle.
Cut your energy costs for laundry by running full loads and using cooler water. Reduce drying costs by cleaning the lint ﬁlter regularly.
Reduce the temperature on your water heater. Setting a water heater at 120 degrees not only saves money, but also helps prevent small children from being accidentally burned.
Run appliances that add heat and moisture to the air after the sun goes down.
Many televisions, DVD players and electronic devices and chargers with transformers use power even when they are turned off. Unplug these when not in use or at least when you're going to be away on vacation.
Replace conventional bulbs with compact fluorescents. Compact fluorescents not only use 75 percent less energy, but they also give off less heat than a traditional incandescent bulb.
Add shade. Plant trees, shrubs and vines to shade your home and windows. For instant shade, install patio covers or awnings. Also, keep blinds closed to block sunlight entering the house.
If you need to replace your air conditioner or heat pump, consider buying an energy-efﬁcient Energy Star (r)-rated unit. Make the change part of a large scale energy-saving plan for your home. Have a professional evaluation of your insulation levels, home ﬁltration and duct system performance. Making these improvements when you replace your system have a short return on investment and ensure energy savings with the new high-efficiency equipment and comfort.
Caulk or weather-strip doors and windows, and check and add insulation if needed.
Analyze your home's energy use. You can start with the online Right Choice Home Analyzer at www.jacksonemc.com/analyzer, which offers customized information about the best ways to reduce your energy bills. Jackson EMC also offers a do-it-yourself Right Choice Energy Audit Kit and in-home energy audits by our residential representatives.
For more in-depth analysis of your heating and cooling system, schedule a Right Choice High Tech Audit. There is a charge for this audit, but Jackson EMC members can receive rebates that offset a portion of the cost. The testing includes a list of recommendations that a contractor can perform to make your home energy efficient, comfortable and healthy. You can request Jackson EMC's energy audit products by calling 1-800-462-3691 and asking to speak to a residential marketing representative at your local Jackson EMC of?ce.