The heat is on! Many of us here in Michigan keep our air conditioning running 24/7. While this keeps us cool, it can be a real strain on our wallets. Here are a few tips for lowering your energy costs during these hot months:
Air Conditioning Maintenance 101: To ensure your A/C is running at peak performance, clean your condenser to get rid of dirt, dust and pollen buildup. Additionally, change your filter every few months and have the unit checked annually.
Check Timers: If you use light timers, make sure they are set for longer daylight hours and aren’t coming on too early. Michigan summers mean late sunsets!
Choose LED Light Bulbs (all year long): LEDs are the most energy-efficient bulbs available. They use 75% less energy, last 25 times longer and run cooler than traditional incandescent bulbs. In fact, incandescents only use 10%-15% of their energy for light, the rest is wasted heat.
Thermostat Know-How: Set it as high as you can go, ideally at least 78℉ if you and your pets can tolerate it. Additionally, make sure it’s even higher when you’re not at home. Smart thermostats that use WiFi make these transitions even easier and will adjust for peak energy efficiency.
Avoid the Oven: Using the oven to cook can add unwanted heat to your home. Opt for the microwave, crockpot, outdoor grill or, better yet, get takeout or go out!
Staying cool and saving money is a win-win for summertime in Michigan!
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