With temperatures soaring above 100 degrees, Alabama Power offers these summer tips to conserve energy and save on electricity bills.
·        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.

·        Clean or change the 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 accounts for more than half the electric bill.

·        Close drapes or blinds during the day to reduce heat from direct sunlight.

·        Use room or ceiling fans to circulate air.
 
·        Use fluorescent lights instead of incandescent lamps when possible. Fluorescent lights last about 10 times longer and produce more light for the same amount of energy.

·        When buying a new air conditioning unit or heat pump, select one with a higher Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER). The higher the SEER, the more efficient the unit.

·      Use smaller appliances such as crock-pots, toaster ovens and electric skillets whenever possible to save energy.

·        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. 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.

·        Use heat-producing appliances such as your dryer, dishwasher and range during the cooler nighttime hours.

·        Wash full laundry loads rather than washing multiple small loads. Clean the lint filter after every dryer load. Clothes will dry faster and it will save energy.

·        Minimize door traffic. The hot air causes your air conditioner to run more and which places an additional load on your unit and increases your energy bill.

·        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. Insulation of R-30 is recommended.

·        Ensure that exterior windows and doors close snugly. This will keep the warm out and cool air in. Apply weather stripping and caulking where needed. Proper insulation can make a big difference in keeping a house cooler in the summer.

In addition to energy saving tips, customers can get a customized Energy Check Up in as little as five minutes by going to alabamapower.com. Customers can take the easy Check Up or the extended check up and get customized information on ways to save on their energy bill.

For more information on saving energy and cutting costs on your monthly bill,   contact Alabama Power at 1-800-990-APCO (2726) 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.