As costs keep rising, Maquoketa Municipal Electric Utility wants customers to know there are ways to reduce energy use and stay on budget over the summer months.
“We normally see a rise in overall customer demand for electricity in the warmer months due to an increase in air conditioner use,” said General Manager Chris Krogman. “There are ways customers can control their utility costs this summer and we want to make sure they know about them.”
Please consider the following tips to reduce energy use and keep bills in check over the coming months:
- Get a professional air conditioner tune-up and replace dirty filters. A properly functioning air conditioner can save 5-15% on cooling costs.
- Close shades and blinds during the day to block some of the sun’s warmth.
- Set thermostats to 76 degrees when home and 80 degrees when away.
- Install smart thermostats to help with temperature control.
- Run ceiling fans counterclockwise to create a cool breeze. Air movement can make a room feel 4 degrees cooler.
- Switch out incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs, which use less energy and give off less heat.
- Only run dishwashers when full and turn off the dry cycle, allowing dishes to air dry instead.
- Hang clothes outside to dry on a line when practical instead of using the clothes dryer.
- Sign up for MyAccount to manage energy use and set notification alerts for new bills and high usage trends.
“We know these energy savings tips are helpful to the customers we serve,” Krogman said. “As the community’s locally owned utility, we want to provide support and help everyone keep money in their pockets.”