Stay cool with these money-saving tips

Summer is here, and temperatures are up. Here are some no-cost energy saving strategies to help you stay cool - and save money - all summer long.

• Lower your water heater temperature. Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. The average household spends about $300 a year on water heating costs. A lower temperature is an easy way to rack up big savings.

• Wait for a full dishwasher. Use less water and save on your energy bill by only running your dishwasher when it's full. Use the no-heat drying setting for an extra boost to your energy efficiency.

• Wash clothes in cold water. Do laundry the energy-efficient way. Heating water accounts for about 90% of your washer's energy use, so wash laundry in cold water whenever possible. In hot summer months, this step can help you avoid adding more heat inside your home and decrease the work load on your air conditioner.

• Be an energy-efficient cook. It's easy to use a microwave, slow cooker, toaster oven or air fryer to reheat small portions. Cover pots and pans while cooking on a range or in an oven to keep heat in the food and not in your kitchen.

• Enroll in Budget Billing. Budget Billing helps you spread your annual energy costs more evenly over a 12-month period. It can help reduce the impact of seasonal weather changes that affect your bill.

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