BIRMINGHAM – Summer is here, and so is warm weather. As temperatures rise, Alabama Power offers these tips to conserve energy and reduce costs on electricity bills.

• Clean or change your air conditioner filter regularly. A dirty filter cuts down on air flow and reduces efficiency. Air conditioners are the biggest source of electric use during the summer. In many homes, air conditioning costs can account for more than half the electric bill.
• Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or slightly higher. The monthly savings could be between 3 percent and 5 percent. Raise the thermostat higher when away from home for extended periods.
• When buying a new air conditioning unit or heat pump, select one with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit.
• Close drapes or blinds during the day to reduce heat from direct sunlight. Use fans to circulate air. Install ceiling fans (clockwise rotation) in rooms frequently used.
• Use compact fluorescent lights (CFL) instead of standard incandescent light bulb bulbs. CFLs use 75 percent less electricity, last about 10 times longer and produce the same amount of light.

Insulation

• Add insulation in the attic. Better attic insulation can save as much as 30 percent on cooling and heating costs. Insulation is measured in “R-value.” The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. Experts recommend insulation with an R-value of R-30 in ceiling areas.
• Make sure exterior windows and doors close snugly. Apply weather stripping and caulking where needed. Proper insulation can make a big difference in keeping a house cooler in the summer.

Kitchen tips

• Instead of heating the oven on hot days, use the microwave. If you are using the oven, avoid opening the door, which can let out 20 percent of the heat. Use a cooking timer instead. When using the stovetop, choose pans that match the size of the burners. This cuts down on heat lost to the air.
• Use the dishwasher only when you have a full load. Smaller loads use the same amount of water and power. If you don’t need the dishes right away, turn off the heated drying cycle.

In addition to energy saving tips, customers can get a customized Energy Check Up in as little as five minutes by going to www.alabamapower.com.

Customers can take the easy check up or the full check up and get customized information on ways to save on their energy bill. Both check ups will issue a full report.

For more information on saving energy and cutting costs on your monthly bill,   contact Alabama Power at 1-800-245-2244 or www.alabamapower.com.

Alabama Power, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), provides reliable, affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million customers across the state.