Do you need help saving energy while trying to keep your home cool? If you haven’t already, conduct an energy audit to find out where you can save the most, and consider making a larger investment for long-term energy savings.

Here are simple and inexpensive actions you can take to ensure maximum savings throughout the summer.

• If you live in a climate where it cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while sleeping. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.
• Install window coverings to prevent heat-gain through your windows.

• Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
• Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting to 78°F only when you are at home and need cooling. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to readjust your temperature.
• When you turn on your air conditioner, avoid setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary costs.

• If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F without reducing your comfort.
• Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room. Remember that fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a windchill effect.
• When you shower or take a bath, use the bathroom fan to remove the heat and humidity from your home. Your laundry room might also benefit from spot ventilation. Make sure bathroom and kitchen fans are vented to the outside (not just to the attic).

• Schedule regular maintenance for your cooling equipment.
• Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
• Vacuum registers regularly to remove any dust buildup. Ensure that furniture and other objects are not blocking the airflow through your registers.

• On hot days, avoid using the oven; cook on the stove, use a microwave oven or grill outside.
• Install efficient lighting that runs cooler. Only about 10–15 percent of the electricity that incandescent lights consume results in light — the rest is turned into heat.
• Take advantage of daylight instead of artificial lighting, but avoid direct sunlight.
• Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Consider air-drying both dishes and clothing.
• Take short showers instead of baths.
• Minimize activities that generate a lot of heat, such as running a computer, burning open flames, running a dishwasher and using hot devices such as curling irons or hair dryers. Even stereos and televisions can add heat to your home.

• Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
• Add caulk or weather stripping to seal air leaks around leaky doors and windows.

Water-heating can account for 14–25 percent of the energy consumed in your home.

• Turn down your water heater’s temperature to the warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll avoid scalding your hands.