LCEC – Lee County Electric Cooperative

Green tips to save you green

From evergreen trees to the Grinch, green is all around us during the holiday season! Don’t let the hustle and bustle of the holiday make you forget simple green tips like these:

• When cooling your home, set the thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Each degree below adds 8 to 12 percent to the cooling costs.
• When heating your home, set the thermostat at 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Since heating costs three times more than cooling, consider using a space heater or electric blanket.
• While away from home for more than two hours, set the thermostat at 83 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Install a programmable thermostat that will automatically raise and lower the temperature at certain times of the day.
• Be sure your thermostat fan switch is set on the “auto” setting. This is more economical for temperature and humidity control.
• Change or clean filters monthly.
• Keep windows and exterior doors closed when running your air conditioner or heater. Also, use caulk and weather strip around windows and doors.
• Turn off fans when the room is not occupied. Each continuously running fan costs approximately $7 per month on your electric bill.
• Run pool pumps for a maximum of 8 hours a day in the summer, and 6 hours per day in the winter, unless you are heating the pool.
• Use a minimum of R-30 insulation in the ceiling/attic floor to save on heating and air conditioning costs.

Simple green tips like these will help cut your electric costs, which can be particularly helpful during the expensive holiday season! Happy Holidays from LCEC!