As the temperature starts to rise, your energy costs may rise as well. There are simple steps you can take to help reduce summer energy use.

The major part of your summer electricity bill goes for cooling. The simplest way to save is to turn up the thermostat. Experts recommend a setting of 78 degrees F as a good compromise between comfort and savings. For every degree below 78 degrees, you'll use 3 to 7 percent more electricity.

Turn the thermostat up even further when you're away from home – or get a programmable thermostat that will cool the house before you get home. If you have a heat pump, be sure to get a programmable thermostat made for heat pumps.

Other summer savings tips include:

• Clean or replace air filters monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer. Dirty filters reduce efficiency.
• Make sure your duct work is well sealed.
• Keep blinds or drapes closed during the day, particularly on south- and west-facing windows.

• Cook with a microwave oven, which not only uses less energy but also keeps the kitchen cooler.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs. In addition to using less electricity, CFL bulbs put off much less heat.
• Energy-efficiency improvements such as adding insulation will save energy all year. One cost-effective and simple improvement, adding weather stripping and caulking, can increase energy savings by up to 10 percent. 

Jackson EMC offers a variety of services to help you save energy throughout the year. These include an online energy analyzer, a home energy audit kit and an in-home energy audit by a Jackson EMC representative. For the most accurate and scientific analysis, consider scheduling a Right Choice™ Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Audit. This high-tech analysis will find the most effective ways to increase your home's comfort while reducing your energy costs.

For more information, see the Your Home section.