Summers in Wisconsin can be sweltering, and that often means electricity bills skyrocket with air conditioning units running to keep us cool and comfortable. But there are eco-friendly ways you can save money while staying safe this season. Leah Samson, residential services manager with Madison Gas and Electric (MG&E), shares the following energy tips and resources for homeowners.
Safety first!
If you smell natural gas, (yuck it stinks!) call your gas utility immediately. For MG&E it is (608) 252-1111.- Digging in your yard? Call 811 for the Diggers Hotline or visit www.diggershotline.com. Flags will be placed so you know where NOT to dig.
Be comfortable
- Cook outside or with a microwave oven instead of a stove. Your AC unit will thank you because it won't have to work so hard.
- Use ceiling fans and portable fans to cool down. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room.
Save money
Set your thermostat for 78° or, better yet, use a programmable thermostat and raise the temperature to 85° when you aren't home or sleeping.- Get cash incentives on new, more efficient air conditioners through Focus on Energy at www.focusonenergy.com.
Lower your impact on our Earth
- Use what you need. Turn off or unplug appliances that aren't being used.
- Use LED bulbs as incandescent bulbs give off a lot of heat and use more energy. Free LED bulbs kits are available at www.focusonenergy.com/simple or (800) 230-4701.
For more information, visit www.mge.com/saving-energy/, email askexperts@mge.com or call MG&E's Home Energy Line at (608) 252-7117.
