Lower Your Energy Bills This Summer Room by Room Did you know that nearly half of your summer energy bill goes to cooling your home? Use these tips in the coming months to stay cool and save money.

In the Bath

• Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use. A five-minute shower uses a third of the water it takes to run a bath.
• Don’t let water run while brushing your teeth or cleaning the bathroom.
• Report all leaks or running toilets.
• Wash only full loads of clothes and use cold-water whenever possible. Let clothes air dry outside on hangers.

In the Kitchen

• Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric range or oven.
• Use a slow cooker to prepare one-dish meals and keep the kitchen cool.
• When using the stovetop, put lids on pans to keep the heat where it’s supposed to be.
• Fire up the barbeque in the great outdoors. Close windows and doors to keep carbon monoxide out.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and let them air-dry.

In the Home Office

• Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
• Plug home electronics, such as printers, home electronics, TVs and VCRs, into power strips. Turn power strips off when equipment is not in use.

In Every Room

• When buying new appliances, home electronics, and lighting look for the ENERGY STAR® label on the product or the box. These products use less energy, and can save you 10-30 percent on operating costs.
• Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.
• Close curtains on south- and west-facing windows during the day.
• Whenever possible, open shaded windows and use fans instead of operating your air conditioner.
• If you use a window air conditioner, use a fan with it to spread the cool air throughout your home.
• Don't place lamps or TVs near the thermostat. The heat from these appliances will trick the air conditioner into running longer.
• Report drafts around windows, doors, or pipes through walls. Simple caulking and weather-stripping can save up to 30 percent on heating and cooling costs.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), available at any store that sells lighting.
• Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater: 120 degrees is comfortable for most uses. You won’t sacrifice comfort but you will save money.