Cooling Off (Midwest)
Energy use often rises during the summer months while we’re trying to stay cool. The Midwest is the second least-populated area in the U.S., but has the second highest energy consumption per person. Remember that there are easy ways to save energy – and money – this summer.
No Cost: Close shades and drapes during the day to keep warm sun rays out – especially on south-facing windows. If you use a window air-conditioner, place it in a north-facing or shaded window to increase efficiency.
Low Cost: Clean or replace air filters each month – dirty filters reduce air-conditioner efficiency. Lower A/C costs and cool more efficiently by running your ceiling fan counter-clockwise. Remember to turn fans off in empty rooms – fans cool people, not rooms.
Season: Summer
(Sources: Center for Environment and Population. “U.S. Population, Energy & Climate Change.” Available from: www.cepnet.org; Energy Information Administration. “Energy Consumption by Source and Total Consumption per Capita, Ranked by State, 2006.” www.eia.doe.gov; Flex Your Power. “Cooling Tips.” http://www.fypower.org/res/tools/energy_tips_results.html?tips=cooling; Energy Star, www.energystar.gov)
