GrandBridge Energy is offering its residential and small business customers some tips to help these customers stay cool, beat the heat and save money this summer on energy costs.

• Use a programmable thermostat to avoid cooling your home when no one is home and set air conditioners to the highest possible comfortable temperature.
• Ceiling fans and table fans cost pennies per hour to operate and circulate air to help you feel cool. Run ceiling fans in a counter-clockwise direction to help cool the room and set your air conditioner to a higher temperature.
• Keep blinds and curtains drawn during the day to keep the blistering sun out.
• Unplug electronic devices that are not in use and turn off unnecessary lights.
• Fire up the BBQ, use the slow cooker, or make salads and cold meals.
• Open windows in the evening when the air is cooler.
• Replace your air conditioner filter monthly to help maximize the efficiency of the unit.
• Hang clothes outside to dry and skip the dry cycle on your dishwasher by leaving the door open to air dry instead.