As the temperature continues to rise during these summer months there are several ways to help beat the heat and conserve your home energy. Start by trying some of these tips to lower your energy bill and keep your home cool!

• Keep doors closed to uncooled parts of your home. If you have central air conditioning, close off the vents to any rooms that you will not be using.
  • Tip: The lowest level of a home is often the coolest. If you have a basement, plan to spend most of the day in this room, to avoid over cooling the rest of your home.
• Using ceiling and other fans, even if you have air conditioning, helps to provide additional cooling and better circulation of the cooled air.
  • Tip: Place a bowl or tray of ice water in front of a fan to increase the chill factor!
• Seal any holes or cracks around doors and windows, this helps to eliminate cold air leaks. Make sure to seal around window air conditioners with insulation.
• Close the blinds and shades in windows facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently.
  • Tip: Check out energy efficient curtains or blackout curtains to help keep the light and heat out of a room!
• Clothes dryers and dishwashers produce a lot of heat. Use them in the early morning or late evening, not during the hottest part of the day.
  • Tip: Wash clothes in cold water and air dry in front of a fan. This tip works the same as the bowl of ice water!
• Turn off TVs, computers, and other electronic devices rather than use standby mode. Electronic devices can create additional heat in the home.
• Unplug items like cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwave ovens and other appliances. They still use energy even when turned off!
  • Tip: Plug electronics into power strips and turn off the power switch when the items are not in use.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps keep families safe and healthy by assisting families with energy costs. Check in with LIHEAP about energy conservation and low income energy assistance programs. Often in the summer months, those with lower incomes, or individuals with disabilities are offered discounts on their energy bills to help keep their homes cool during the summer months. For information on applying for LIHEAP assistance, please contact your LIHEAP State or Territory agency.