Four ways to save this summer!

• Dial up. Set your air conditioner at the highest comfortable setting. Raising the temperature just a couple degrees can cut your cooling costs by as much as five percent! Better yet, install a programmable thermostat to automatically raise the temperature when you're away from home and lower it when you return.
  
  
• Use shade to your advantage. Close blinds and drapes to keep the sun's heat out during the day. Position window air conditioning units on the shaded side of the house.
  
  
• Use ceiling fans more and air conditioning less. Ceiling fans help you feel cooler and more comfortable without lowering the thermostat.
  
  
• Be a savvy shopper.  In the market for a new air conditioner?  The U.S. Dept. of Energy offers helpful information on properly sizing air conditioning units, as well as selecting and maintaining a cooling system that will best meet your needs.