Seven Ways to Save Money on Energy Costs This Summer

As temperatures climb, Consumers Energy shares seven ways to reduce energy bills while staying cool this summer.

"People should know they can take simple steps to manage their energy usage and reduce their costs," said Garrick Rochow, Consumers Energy's vice president and chief customer officer.

Rochow offered seven energy-saving tips for the summer:

1. If you have central air conditioning, clean leaves and debris from the unit. Make sure they're not too close to the compressor because they can block airflow. Clean the filter regularly. Dusty filters make your air conditioner work harder.
2. Set your air conditioning thermostat at 78 degrees when you're home and higher when you're away. Install an automatic setback or programmable thermostat that starts your air conditioner shortly before you get home.
3. Don't cool rooms that are not used much. Close doors to cut energy costs.
4. Seal and insulate your home. That can be just as important for keeping cool in in the summer as to stay warm in the winter.
5. Operate your stove, oven, dishwasher and clothes dryer in the morning or evening when it's cooler outside.
6. Use ceiling fans. They cool fast and cost less than air conditioning. Attic fans can also reduce the need for air conditioning.
7. Replace or tune up your old air conditioning equipment.