Energy Efficiency Tips

Michigan South Central and their member agencies are one of the very few organizations in which they want customers to use less of their product. As part of a public power entity, higher bills do not benefit the Agency, members or customers in any way. Here are a few tips on how you can do your part to make your home more efficient, resulting in a lower electric bill.

Summer

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  • Have a qualified technician maintain your air conditioner annually and check your air filter monthly.
  • Close the blinds and shades during the day to keep the warm sunlight out.
  • Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to counter-clockwise in order to circulate cool air.
  • Turn off the ceiling fan when leaving the room.
  • Turn up the thermostat. For every degree you turn up on the temperature, you could possibly save 2%-3% on your cooling bill.
  • Minimize the use of ovens, stoves, dryers, and other major appliances on very hot days.

Winter

  • Open blinds and shades to let the sun’s heat in during the day. Be sure to close them at night.
  • Make sure vents are not blocked by furniture to ensure maximum air flow.
  • Reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to clockwise. The fan will then circulate warm air.
  • Turn down the thermostat. For every degree you turn down the temperature, you could possibly save 1%-3% on your heating bill.
  • Properly seal windows and doors to keep the warm air from escaping.

Lighting

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  • Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL’s) use around 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs.
  • Turn off the lights when leaving a room, even if you will only be gone momentarily.
  • Not every room needs the same amount of light. Plan your lighting and make good use of natural light.
  • Control outdoor lighting by using a photocell or a timer.
*For more details on your local efficiency plan, click the name of your community:        ▫Coldwater           ▫Hillsdale           ▫Marshall

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