One of the top tips for conserving energy while reducing costs this summer is cleaning or replacing furnace filters.
Taking care of your furnace filters helps the air conditioning circulate, said Larry Easterday, manager of marketing and member relations at REMC.
Also, many people don't realize that insulation applies to air as well as heat, Easterday said. People should make sure their home is properly insulated because a house will heat up much faster if it's not.Smaller but effective tips concerning summer include keeping drapes pulled to where they block the sun, and not leaving the refrigerator open for longer than need be.
"It's the little things your mom used to tell you," he said.
The cost of electricity is going up and so is the demand for electrical power. REMC provides great tips on how to conserve energy and reduce costs while staying comfortable no matter the season.
The biggest way to save money is to use less hot water since water heating accounts for 16 percent of the average home's energy use, according to an REMC brochure.
Using water-conserving shower heads and faucet aerators can cut hot water use in half; lowering your water heater temperature to 120 degrees fahrenheit will reduce costs; and adding an insulating jacket to a tank will save 4 to 9 percent on water heating bills.
Heating and cooling an average size house accounts for 50 percent of its energy use.
Reduce costs and save energy by having the system cleaned and checked every season. Also clean or replace dirty filters every month to ensure good air flow and take care of leaks, which can significantly decrease energy efficiency by as much as 20 percent.
Appliances and lighting account for up to 23 percent of the average home's energy use.
Changing just five lights to compact fluorescent lights can save up to $60 per year, and the lights also last much longer. Also, be selective in home electronics and appliances and make sure they have good energy efficiency.
Appliances like televisions and computers still use electricity when they are "off" to display lights, clocks or screensavers. Using power strips to make sure they turn completely off saves energy.
Refrigerators should be kept cool, between 37 and 40 degrees. The freezer should be at zero degrees. Also, refrigerators and freezers should be defrosted regularly to increase energy efficiency and the door seals should be airtight.
Energy efficiency also can be improved by handling laundry a certain way. Costs are reduced by using cold water, washing full loads, not overdrying clothes and cleaning the lint filter after every load.
