SUMMER ENERGY-SAVING TIPS

-Replace and turn-in your old air conditioner - ENERGY STAR qualified window air conditioners (AC) or central air conditioning equipment use up to 25 percent less energy than a standard new model and up to 40 percent less energy than a model more than 10 years old. And don't just move the old AC to another room or throw it out with the trash. Learn more about room air conditioners and how to have it properly recycled   In addition to replacing your old AC, making a few low cost/no cost changes to your daily routine can add up to big savings on your energy bill this summer. 

-Close blinds or shades on sunny windows, but open windows to take advantage of the natural ventilation when conditions permit-especially during cool morning or evening hours.

-Keep doors closed when it is hotter outside than inside. Open them up again in the evening or morning when it is cooler outside.

-Turn it off - Save electricity and reduce waste heat by shutting off lights and home electronics, especially computers, while not in use. Televisions, cable television boxes, cell phone rechargers and other electronics give off far more waste heat than you might imagine! Check it out for yourself! Unplug these items to eliminate electric consumption entirely when not in use.

-Shift energy-intensive tasks - like laundry and dishwashing to off-peak energy-demand hours (morning, nights and weekends) and times when the waste heat is less of an impact.

-Replace incandescent light bulbs - ENERGY STAR compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) reduce heat, use 66 percent less energy and last up to 10 times longer than a standard incandescent bulb. Switch out commonly used bulbs with CFLs. ENERGY STAR CFLs burn cooler, as incandescent bulbs give off 90 percent heat and only 10 percent light.

-Insulate your home, particularly in the attic. Not only is this spot usually the easiest to insulate, but it's also where you'll see the greatest energy-saving benefit year round. By insulating the attic, you'll keep the heat outside from filtering through the roof and into the rest of your house. Visit our home performance page for more information on making your home Energy $mart!

-Use ceiling fans - ENERGY STAR qualified ceiling fans can help cool a home without greatly increasing electricity use. They improve airflow and create pleasant breezes.

-Check the filter - A dirty filter will increase energy use and can damage the air conditioner leading to early failures, so check it every month and replace as needed.

-If possible, keep air conditioners in the shade - A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10 percent less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.

-Use a programmable thermostat or timer - An ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat allows homeowners to automatically adjust the temperature based on their schedule. Save 3 percent on energy bills for each degree you turn up the thermostat from 72 degrees.

-Sign-up to receive energy-saving tips by email. The Get Energy $mart email newsletter will provide you with seasonal tips to keep your energy usage low and save you money. Click here to sign-up.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENERGY SAVING TIPS FOR YOUR ENTIRE HOME .