Easy ways to save energy wisely



Cool your energy costs this summer and keep comfortable while you do

Ease summer demand. Don't overcool with your air conditioner. Set your thermostat as high as is comfortable, preferably to 78°F or higher.

Apply other, low-cost cooling techniques to ease the burden on your air conditioner.

• Run a whole house fan, room fans or ceiling fans. Turn off ceiling and room fans when no one is in the room.

• Use shades and drapes to block out direct sun during the day.

Steer clear of the stove. Save energy and improve comfort this summer by cooking outside or using a microwave oven instead of your kitchen stove.

Use major appliances by the clock. You can help lower demand for energy during peak times by washing dishes and doing laundry before 10 a.m. and after 9 p.m. as well as on weekends. Electricity generated on weekdays—particularly during hot spells—costs MGE more to produce.

• Consider off-peak rates. If you can switch significant electric use to off-peak times, you may be able to save money by converting to time-of-use rates. See mge.com/tou for details.

Turn off the air-conditioning when no one is home. Control cooling times with programmable thermostats for central air or timers for room air conditioners.

• Save 10 to 35 cents per hour for central units.

• Save 5 to 15 cents per hour for room units.

• With room units, seal any gaps around them so cooled indoor air cannot escape or hot air cannot come inside.

Put compact fluorescent bulbs in your most-used fixtures and lamps. Fluorescent bulbs put out less heat, plus you will save $30 to $40 over the life of each bulb.

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