On average, July and August are the hottest, most humid months for the South. While daily weather reports can vary, chances are you’re searching for ways to stay cool that won’t break the bank. In addition to the tips offered at right, here are a few more practices to help you be energy-efficient, save money on your electric bill and cool down this summer.
Use ceiling fans. Be sure ceiling fans are set to rotate counterclockwise during the summer months. This will allow a cool breeze in the room without overloading the A/C. Remember, ceiling fans cool people and not rooms. Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room.
Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day to help your home feel cooler. Even though the natural light and being able to see outside are great ways to bring life into your home, the sunlight coming through your windows quickly heats up your house.
As temperatures increase, try setting your thermostat a few degrees higher. For every degree you raise the thermostat, you save energy and money. Consider doing this especially when you aren’t home during the day or you’re away on vacation.
Use the outdoor grill instead of the oven. Not only will cooking outdoors eliminate the electricity used to power the stove, but it will also avoid raising the temperature inside your home, reducing the need for additional air conditioning.
Source: energy.gov
10 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT
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Remember to change the air conditioner filter regularly. To help you remember, set a calendar reminder on a smart device or change the fi lter each month when the electric bill arrives.

Seal and insulate your ductwork and repair any air leaks to ensure the cooled air makes it to each room.

Wrap the water heater with insulation or install an insulating blanket, and add pipe insulation to the first 5 feet of water pipe from the water heater.

Stop air leaks by caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors. Don’t forget to check for and seal gaps in the fl oors and walls around pipes and electrical wiring.

If you have a programmable thermostat, set it to the highest degree during summer months for comfort, cooling and efficiency. Program it to raise the temperature at times when you are away for even more savings.

If you’re replacing an appliance, be sure to choose a new, efficient one that has the Energy Star label.

Add insulation to the attic, crawl space and accessible exterior walls. Install insulating seals on exterior light switches and outlets.

Save water and the energy it takes to heat it by installing aerating, low-flow faucets and shower heads and repairing leaky faucets.

Upgrade your lighting by replacing incandescent or CFL bulbs with LEDs, which use roughly half the amount of energy and don’t emit as much heat.

Home electronics such as TVs, DVD players, computers and game systems use energy even when you turn them off. Connect these devices to power strips and turn those off when not in use.