Stay cool, save energy

 

DTE Energy offers ways for you to stay cool while also saving energy and money:

Run your ceiling fan to create a cool breeze

• If you raise your thermostat by only two degrees and use your ceiling fan, you can lower cooling costs by up to 14 percent. Remember fans cool you, not the room, so when you leave the room, make sure to turn off the fan. Need a ceiling fan? The simple choice is ENERGY STAR – a certified fan with lights is 60% more efficient.

Close blinds and curtains on south- and west-facing windows:

This easy step blocks out summer sunlight, making your home cooler. You can also plant trees outside to shade windows or move potted trees and plants in front of windows.

Purchase ENERGY STAR® room air conditioners

A room air conditioner with the ENERGY STAR label uses about 10% less energy and costs less than $70 a year to run, on average.

Add insulation to your home to improve comfort and efficiency

Homeowners typically save up to $200 a year in heating and cooling costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation.

Check your filter every month, especially during heavy use months in the summer

At a minimum, change the filter every 3 months. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you cool - wasting energy.

Get more cooling tips at www.dteenergy.com/summer