With much anticipation, summer is officially here. Our wait for warmer temperatures may have been challenging but saving energy this season doesn’t have to be.

Cooling costs can add up to more than 50% of an average customer’s bill, but by incorporating simple practices, such as those below, you can save energy and potentially save on your monthly bill. 

Use ceiling fans to circulate air throughout the house. Ensure that your ceiling fan is set to run counterclockwise during the summer to help push cooler air down. As winter approaches, switch the direction of the fan to clockwise.

Maintain your central air conditioning unit. Prioritize regular inspection and cleaning of your air conditioning unit. Shut the power off at the breaker and use a garden hose to wash the outside compressor. Grass and vegetation can also infringe proper airflow. Plan to keep plants at least one foot away from your unit and trim away vegetation that may be directly touching the unit.

Clean the lint screen on the dryer after each use. A clogged lint screen can make your dryer use up to 30% more energy. Too much lint built up can also be a fire hazard.   

Always close your refrigerator door. Each time the door to your refrigerator is left open, up to 30% of the cooled air can escape. This same rule applies to ovens as well.

Looking for even more ways to save? With Power Rewards, you can earn bill credits when you shift your energy use away from peak times. With no cost to join, choose the program that best reflects you and your home; then decide how much and how long to participate in each peak event.

I&M strives to be there for our customers, so we understand that financial hardships happen and sometimes you need a little help paying your bill. Through assistance programs in Indiana and Michigan, along with payment arrangements, we can help you keep your bill manageable. We also work with several organizations that can help to find local and federal assistance. Call 211 or visit 211.org for more information about utility, housing, healthcare and other types of assistance available.

For additional energy-saving tips, download the Summer Energy-savings Tips flyer or head to ElectricIdeas.com/Home or ElectricIdeas.com/Work to find products, rebates and discounts to help you save even more.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kara Stevenson 
Corporate Communications 
260-446-5102
klstevenson@aep.com