Air-conditioner use is right around the corner Air-conditioner use is right around the corner, and that means higher bills. Cooling your home in the summer can account for half of your electric costs or more. Keep a couple of things in mind to save energy this summer: - Keep thermostat settings at 78°F or higher. Move air with ceiling fans or use natural ventilation. Install a programmable thermostat. - Minimize use. Use the AC when fans and ventilation can't maintain comfort. During hot, humid times, seal up the home and air-condition around the clock. - Minimize areas cooled. Don't cool unoccupied rooms. - Reduce humidity. Run the bathroom exhaust fan while showering. Be sure the clothes dryer is vented to the outside. - Routine maintenance. Air conditioners and heat pumps need regular maintenance to perform at top efficiency. - Close window shades and curtains during times of the day when the sun shines in. - Minimize heat inside the home by grilling outdoors and using microwave ovens instead of heating an entire oven or stove in the kitchen. New feature added to home energy calculator Visit our home energy calculator to figure out what changes in your home will produce the greatest energy savings. Click on "View Recommended Changes" to get an idea of just how much you can save by making certain changes. Happy Earth Day This past Tuesday, April 22, was Earth Day. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment celebrated by partnering with world-renowned artist Stan Herd to create a unique environmental awareness collage. - Watch the Youtube video. How did you celebrate? E-mail us.