How to keep cool this summer while reducing energy costs

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With Michigan fully settled in for another hot summer, folks looking for ways to keep cool at home have options that can provide comfort and cut costs.

The Michigan Public Service Commission notes that there are many methods, large and small, to help customers beat the heat affordably, while also helping reduce stress on the power grid when demand is at its peak during weekday summer afternoons.

Minor actions like raising your thermostat a couple degrees - especially if you're not at home - can save on your electric bill while maintaining a comfortable temperature.

"During periods of high temperatures, safety is paramount," MPSC Chair Dan Scripps said. "We encourage Michiganders to take steps to stay safe and ensure they're using energy wisely. Cutting back on home electricity use where possible - while preserving safety and comfort - also helps to maintain reliability and keep costs down for all utility customers."

Electricity generation is at its costliest during hot summer weekday afternoons, when residential demand for electricity to power air conditioning peaks. Small acts - such as turning up the AC a few degrees, postponing doing laundry or delaying running the dishwasher - can help keep your energy bill in check. Installing and setting a programmable thermostat could help you save up to 10% yearly on heating and cooling costs.

The state's two largest electric utilities, DTE Electric Co. and Consumers Energy Co., both have two-tiered for electricity during summer weekdays to reflect the cost of generating power more accurately during peak times. The cost of electricity is higher in the afternoon and lower all other hours of the day. Shifting electricity use to mornings or later in the evenings when rates are lower leads to longer-term cost savings for customers, by avoiding the need for utilities to build more generation or contract more supply to serve customers.

Here are tips from the MPSC and the U.S. Department of Energy to help cut costs while staying comfortable this summer.

Keep cool

• Close curtains and shades on windows during the day to keep the sun from heating the inside of your home.
• During moderate temperatures, use fans and open windows. Using a ceiling fan allows you to raise the thermostat setting about 4 degrees without impacting your comfort.
• When you cook, use an exhaust fan to blow hot air out of the kitchen. Consider grilling outside instead of using the stove or oven. If you run the dishwasher, consider letting dishes air dry instead of using the dishwasher's heater.
• Insulate your attic and walls, and seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
• Insulate and seal ducts - air loss through ducts accounts for about 30 percent of a cooling system's energy consumption.
• Use the bathroom fan when taking a hot shower to help remove heat and humidity from your home.

Use AC wisely

• If you use air-conditioning, check with your utility about voluntary programs that cycle air conditioning for a rate discount.
• When possible, install your window air-conditioner, or the compressor unit of your central air-conditioner, on a side of your home or building that is shaded. Direct sunlight falling on an air-conditioning unit increases the cost to run it.
• Keep the compressor unit of a central air conditioner free from leaves and other debris that can clog vents.
• Make sure your cooling system is well tuned with periodic professional maintenance, and clean or replace air filters once a month or as needed.
• Shut vents or close off unoccupied rooms, which can save 5 to 10 percent on your cooling costs.
• Buy an ENERGY STAR-qualified air conditioning unit - on average, they're up to 15 percent more efficient than standard models.

Check out the MPSC's Be Summerwise page and its Beat the Heat and Save tip sheet to find more tips and resources. The Department of Energy also has extensive suggestions to save on energy costs.

For information about the MPSC, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs. Follow the MPSC on Facebook, X/Twitter or LinkedIn.

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