Friday, June 12, 2015

Agencies and organizations serving Connecticut have been dispatching loads valuable consumer advice in recent weeks. Most of that information is not Connecticut-centric, however, and has universal or regional value whether you live in the Nutmeg State, the 'Show Me' State, the Centennial State, the Sunshine State, or the Golden State.

As summer begins to sizzle, Connecticut's new electricity and natural gas supplier Eversource is touching base with these simple tips to help consumers save energy and money:

• Keeping the heat out keeps the cool in – Sunlight shining in windows adds unwanted summer heat to homes. Using blinds, shades or drapes to block the sun can help. Even without air conditioning, most homes will stay cooler if the windows and their coverings are closed during the hottest part of the day.  
• Air conditioners work best in the shade – If possible, keep room air conditioners out of the sun. They run much more efficiently when kept shaded and cool. Installing one in a north-facing window is usually ideal.
• It’s a great time to cook outside – Cooking indoors inevitably heats up your home and makes your cooling system work harder, so opt for cooking outdoors instead. Aside from just grilling, today’s gas grills make great ovens, too. A closed grill lid and a properly adjusted temperature can result in a perfectly cooked meal.   
• Clean the air conditioner filter and coils at least every three months. Dirty filters block air flow, reducing efficiency and making it harder to deliver the cool air.  
• Use air conditioning and fans together to keep energy costs low - According to ENERGY STAR®, setting your thermostat just two degrees higher than normal on hot days, coupled with using your ceiling fan, can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14 percent.  
• You can also turn your ceiling fan blade pattern to the reverse setting to create a downdraft and "wind chill" effect. Since ceiling fans only cool people and not the actual room, remember to turn them off when you leave.
  
  In our next installment, get some tips for environmentally friendly summer celebrations straight from Connecticut's environmental protection agency.

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