WE Energies: Stay cool with these savings tips

Milwaukee – Brutal heat and humidity move to Wisconsin this week. Follow these tips to stay cool and save money on your summer electricity bills.
No costs

• Keep the sun out. Close blinds, shades, and curtains on the sunny side of your home during the day to keep the home cooler.
• Set your thermostat. Set it a few degrees higher at home to save energy. When you’re away, set your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees higher than your normal setting. You can save up to 10% on your energy bill.
• Reduce the heat by delaying heat-producing activities such as cooking, drying, and ironing until evening or when the weather turns cooler.
• Leave the thermostat fan switch on “auto” so the fan only runs when the air conditioner is running. If you set the fan to “On”, it runs all the time.
• Manage your energy costs with Budget Billing. Budget Billing spreads your annual fees more evenly over 12 months.

Inexpensive

• Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and trim with weatherstrip and weatherstrip. This keeps cool air in and hot air out.
• Use standing and ceiling fans even if you have air conditioning. It feels cooler due to the circulating cool air. Ceiling fans should rotate counter-clockwise in summer.
• Install a programmable thermostat and program it for hours when you are away sleeping. Take it to the next level and get a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature settings in your home for maximum energy efficiency. Our partners at Focus on Energy have great options and discounts.
• Schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioner. Seasonal maintenance keeps equipment running safely and efficiently, saving money in the long run. Combine your air conditioner with a dehumidifier to lower the humidity in your home.