The Department of Energy states that the “Comfort Zone” temperature should be 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer. Not everyone is comfortable at 78 degrees in the hot summer, but keep in mind that for every degree you go below 78, it adds 10% to the cost of your cooling. For example, if you lower your thermostat by 5 degrees, you have added 50% to the cost of cooling your home.

Here are some tips to boost your energy savings this summer:

1Pool time is here, and if you have a pool, running the pump could cost anywhere from $2.00 to $5.00 per day. $2.00 a day sounds like a little, but it would cost an extra $60 for a 30-day bill.

2Prepare for the hot weather and check your air conditioning unit. Units should be cleaned and tested regularly to keep them at peak performance.

3Keep blinds closed on windows facing the sun in summer to minimize the heating effect inside the home.

4Remember, when you go on vacation this summer, if you don’t raise your thermostat, you won’t be saving any money. Your appliances don’t know if you are home or gone; they are designed to keep your home at a set temperature.

5With kids home from school right now, you can expect to see an increase in electric usage due to TVs, game consoles, and computers. Unplug these when they are not in use.