The dog days of summer are settling in and it doesn’t look like they’re heading out anytime soon. NPPD and your local public power utility want to give you a quick reminder that there are some simple, easy ways to save energy — and save a little money — while still keeping your home cool and comfortable. Here are some handy tips to help you beat the heat and use your energy wisely. 

Skip the oven on hot days
If it’s already toasty outside, try the stovetop, microwave or just grill out. Keeps the house from heating up even more. 

Clear around your outdoor AC unit
Make sure the outside part of your air conditioner isn’t buried in leaves, grass clippings or random stuff. It needs space to breathe. 

AC thermostats
Bumping your thermostat up about 7–10°F for eight hours a day can save you around 5–10% a year on cooling, if that’s comfortable for you. Source: U.S. Department of Energy 

Head somewhere cool for the afternoon
Hit the pool, swing by the park or stop in at your local library. 

Use your ceiling fan with the AC
A ceiling fan lets you turn your thermostat up about four degrees without feeling warmer. Pretty handy. 

Turn off bathroom and kitchen fans when they’re done
Let them run for about 10 minutes after they’ve cleared the air, then shut them off so they’re not pulling cool air out of your house. 

Hang laundry outside
With long summer evenings, it’s a great time to skip the dryer and let your clothes dry on the line. 

Lights off when you’re not in the room
During the day, let the sunshine do the work. And at night, maybe go for a cozy candlelit dinner or a laidback game night with dim lighting.

Give you power outlets a break
Unplug electronics and appliances you are not using in your home. And don’t forget the garage.