Changing the habits and lifestyles of your family to decrease energy use is an effective way to reduce your energy bill. This need not cause you any discomfort. Following are some easy tips for reducing energy use.

Summer:

• Use fans in place of air conditioners as much as possible. Fans provide cooling at much lower cost than air conditioners.

• Block the sun’s rays from entering the house during warmer daytime periods by using shades, awnings, window tinting, or other devices.

• When using air conditioners, keep windows and doors closed. Lowering the thermostat of your air conditioner will not cool the house any faster. It will merely waste energy, since the air conditioner will continue cooling an area even after a comfortable temperature has been reached.

• Maintain cooling equipment according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the unit operates efficiently.

• Keep the thermostat setting at 78 degrees or higher. While some people may require a cooler environment, most remain comfortable at slightly higher temperatures.

• When leaving home, increase your air conditioners thermostat reading to a higher temperature. For even better savings, turn the air conditioner off.

• Use heat-producing appliances such as dishwashers, ovens, dryers, etc. during the cooler parts of the day.

Winter:

• Check the insulation, caulking and weather stripping around your house and make any necessary repairs.

• On sunny days, allow the sun’s rays to enter the home by opening drapes & blinds.

• Keep blinds and drapes closed at night and during overcast days.

• If you primarily use only one or two rooms, close the doors to the unused rooms and if possible reduce heating to them. Lower the thermostat to 68 degrees or below. Consider reducing the thermostat setting even more before going to sleep. Caution: Some older people and babies may require higher indoor temperatures (above 70 degrees) at all times to avoid hypothermia.

• Dress warmly inside. Maintain comfort by wearing several layers of lightweight clothing and/or wear a sweater. At night throw an extra blanket or comforter on your bed.

• When your fireplace is not in use, make sure the damper is closed. In most cases, fireplace efficiency is only about 10 percent, which means that 90 percent of the heat produced is lost through the chimney.

Year Round

• Consider purchasing compact fluorescent lights to replace existing, frequently-used incandescent light bulbs.

• Insulate your water heater with an insulating device recommended by the manufacturer.

• When purchasing major appliances, choose the energy efficient models.