ENERGY SAVING TIPS

By Heather Juzenas, Vice President of Marketing & Member Services

Ohio's heat and humidity have been relatively high this summer compared to the mild summers we experienced in 2022 and 2023. You may have noticed the need to turn on your air conditioning on many of those hot summer days.

The amount of money it takes to cool your entire home can be quite costly. The reason behind cooling costs and why they make up a sizable portion of your electric bill all comes down to the following:

• How often you run your AC unit

• The temperature setting on your thermostat during the day and at night

• The use of ceiling fans and other cooling devices

• If your air ventilation system is clogged and filled with dust or other debris

Here are some of our best tips to reduce your energy use and save money on your next bill.

Hit The Off Button

An empty house wastes plenty of energy. Turn off lights and other devices when you are the last person to leave a room or the house for the day. Simple upgrades, like LED lights, can help. They use up to 75% less energy than conventional incandescent lights.

Program Your Thermostat

Adjusting the thermostat to match your family's school and work schedule can save a lot of energy. Why waste energy keeping an empty house comfortable? ENERGY STAR®-certified smart thermostats optimize savings and convenience by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule.

Plug Smarter

Electronic devices — such as TVs, game consoles and chargers — continue to draw power even when no one is home to use them. Advanced power strips and smart plugs provide a simple energy-saving solution. They automatically cut power to devices when they are not in use.

Draw Out The Heat

Close window treatments when you leave for the day. This action helps block solar heat that gets trapped inside your home. Otherwise, your air conditioning system works harder, even at a higher, energy-saving setting.

Keep Your Eye On The Thermostat

Placing heat sources, such as lamps, computers or TVs, near your thermostat can result in false temperature readings, increased energy use and inconsistent cooling. Make sure your thermostat is installed in an area clear of obstructions, electronic devices, direct sunlight and drafts. Ensuring your thermostat is free from these types of interferences optimizes energy efficiency, improves indoor comfort and reduces wear and tear on your cooling system.

There are many reasons for high energy bills. Practicing and implementing the saving tips listed above can help alleviate the amount of money you pay next month. If you have questions, call us at 740-344-2102. You can also visit, www.myenergycoop.com/save-energy.

Our member services team can assist you with high bill concerns and would be happy to review your energy use.