With this weekend shaping up to be one of the hottest of the year, Indiana Michigan Power, has provided some energy-saving tips to keep your wallet from overheating:
Fans: Use ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate air and help reduce the amount of air
conditioning you use. Use your kitchen exhaust fan while cooking.
Air Conditioners: Be sure to regularly install new air filters; dirty filters cause your equipment to work harder and use more energy. Set your air conditioner’s thermostat for the highest
comfortable temperature, and remember to adjust it to a higher temperature for times you are away from home. Keep doors and windows closed.
Windows: Keep direct sunlight out during the day – close curtains and blinds.
Housework: Do heavy chores such as laundry, washing dishes and baking during the cooler
part of the day.
Switch off, unplug: Disconnect appliances such as phone chargers, which use electricity even
when the appliance is not recharging. Turn off unused computers. Turn off unused lights.
Weatherstrip: Seal air leaks around doors and windows.
Think long term: You may not get to it this weekend, but consider taking some more involved steps to improve energy efficiency in your home or business, including purchasing a
programmable thermostat; installing sufficient insulation; planting shrubberies against outside walls; and making sure your attic is properly ventilated to prevent heat build-up.
Eligible I&M customers with electric heat can call 855-231-5274 to schedule a home energy
checkup. An I&M energy expert will measure your insulation, look for energy leaks and
recommend improvements. If you schedule a checkup before the end of August and make the recommended improvements with a qualified contractor within 30 days of your checkup, I&M pays up to 75 percent of the cost, up to $3,000.
I&M offers a number of energy-efficiency programs and additional tips to save energy.