Cool down this summer – energy savings tips
Looking to keep your energy bill low this summer? Don't sweat it! Follow these energy efficiency tips to reduce your energy use and save money on your bill.
Set your thermostat a bit higher.
Raise your temperature settings 5 to 8 degrees higher in the summer to reduce usage, especially while you’re away or asleep.
Raise your temperature settings 5 to 8 degrees higher in the summer to reduce usage, especially while you’re away or asleep.
Close your shades and drapes during the day.
Block the heat of the sun to keep your home cool.
Block the heat of the sun to keep your home cool.
Use fans to keep cool instead of air conditioning.
Fans use less energy than air conditioners and can help spread cool air throughout your home. Set your ceiling fan to turn counterclockwise to draw warm air upward and cool the room.
Fans use less energy than air conditioners and can help spread cool air throughout your home. Set your ceiling fan to turn counterclockwise to draw warm air upward and cool the room.
Upgrade to a smart theromostat.
A smart thermostat can be adjusted from anywhere via your smartphone, and many can even learn your preferences and adjust automatically to maximize energy savings. Did you know customers in Iowa and Illinois can take advantage of up to a $100 rebate for qualifying smart thermostats? They're also available at a discount on our marketplace!
A smart thermostat can be adjusted from anywhere via your smartphone, and many can even learn your preferences and adjust automatically to maximize energy savings. Did you know customers in Iowa and Illinois can take advantage of up to a $100 rebate for qualifying smart thermostats? They're also available at a discount on our marketplace!
Keep air vents and registers clean and clear.
Unblock your vents to allow air to circulate freely. Keep your air conditioner clear of grass, weeds and shrubs to maintain airflow.
Unblock your vents to allow air to circulate freely. Keep your air conditioner clear of grass, weeds and shrubs to maintain airflow.
Time your use of hot appliances.
Use heat-generating appliances – ovens, dishwashers, clothes dryers, etc. – early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Hang clothes to dry and use outdoor grills to avoid turning on appliances. Read more tips to save energy in the laundry room.
Use heat-generating appliances – ovens, dishwashers, clothes dryers, etc. – early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Hang clothes to dry and use outdoor grills to avoid turning on appliances. Read more tips to save energy in the laundry room.
Care for your equipment.
Check your air conditioner filters monthly and clean or replace them as needed. Wash outside air conditioner coils with mild soap and water to remove dust and dirt to improve operating efficiency.
Check your air conditioner filters monthly and clean or replace them as needed. Wash outside air conditioner coils with mild soap and water to remove dust and dirt to improve operating efficiency.
Utilize natural shade.
Plant shade trees and shrubs on the south and west sides of your home to help shield it from the sun. But, don't forget to follow our guidelines for planting a safe distance from power and transmission lines! You should also place air conditioning units in shaded areas to improve operating efficiency.
Plant shade trees and shrubs on the south and west sides of your home to help shield it from the sun. But, don't forget to follow our guidelines for planting a safe distance from power and transmission lines! You should also place air conditioning units in shaded areas to improve operating efficiency.
Keep the energy savings going by upgrading your equipment! Learn how you can take advantage of the energy efficiency discounts and rebates we offer for our customers in Iowa and Illinois.