Save money, energy this summer

The summer season is one many people anticipate. A chance to get out, soak up some sun and generally relax is what summer is about for people across the country.

For homeowners and apartment dwellers responsible for paying the energy bill, summer is also a time to expect higher monthly expenses. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), roughly 45 percent of a homeowner’s utility bill goes for heating and cooling. Much of that is due to the use of air conditioners in the summer months. But there’s no reason for the rise in temperatures to automatically result in a rise in your energy bill. The DOE offers the following suggestions for keeping your energy bills down this summer.

•Be wise with appliance usage. Air conditioners are not the most energy efficient appliances in a home. But that doesn’t mean they cannot be used in an efficient manner. Rather than cranking the air conditioner at full strength, place it on a lower setting and then use a fan to help spread the cool air throughout a home.

•Another way to get the most out of your air conditioner while keeping bills low is to buy one with a programmable thermostat. Such air conditioners often have the ENERGY STAR logo, and the temperature will adjust as the temperature changes throughout the day. Such energy efficient air conditioners can save users up to 50 percent on their cooling bills. When using such an energy efficient air conditioner, keep certain appliances, such as lamps or televisions, away. The heat emitted from these items will only fool the air conditioner into thinking the room is hotter than it is, thereby negating its energy-saving capabilities.

•Make subtle changes around the house. Trimming some fat off the summertime energy bill doesn’t have to require taking drastic steps. Instead, several small changes can add up to big savings in the long run. For example, air dry dishes rather than using your dish washer’s drying cycle. Other small changes include:

• use the microwave or backyard grill instead of the conventional oven

•turn off the computer and monitor when not in use

•wash clothes in cold water

•lower the thermostat on the hot water heater

•plug home electronics (i.e., TVs, stereos, DVD players) into power strips and turn those strips off when not in use

Put your windows to work for you. Using your windows effectively can go a long way to helping lower energy costs.

Sunny windows make the air conditioner work two to three times as hard, so install white window shades that will reflect sun away from the house. In addition, close south- and west-facing curtains during the day to keep the temperature down. Reflective films can also be applied to south-facing windows to reflect sun away from the house.