It takes a lot of energy to cool your home in the Kentucky summer. But there are ways to help lower your energy use, utility bill and earn rebates from your Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

Check out these easy ways to save energy (101 Ways, to be exact). Just to name a few:

• A one degree increase in your cooling setpoint can increase energy use by 3 to 5 percent. The Department of Energy recommends a summer setting of 78 degrees for maximum savings. Plus, buying a qualifying Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostat helps you save even more with your local co-op’s $100 rebate and SimpleSaver enrollment. Learn more at www.simplesaver.coop.
• Change your central HVAC system filter when suggested by the manufacturers recommendations. Dirty filters can impact your home comfort and increase your electricity bill.
• Seal from the inside. Air sealing is an inexpensive way to lower energy costs and improve comfort. Seal gaps and holes in walls, floors, and ceilings with caulk or foam sealant. Plus, your local co-op offers a Button-Up program for air sealing and insulation improvements (up to $1,875). Contact your local co-op to learn more.
• Close shades and drapes during the day to help keep your home cooler in the summer. Ceiling fans can also keep you cooler. Remember: they cool people, not rooms. So turn them off when no one is occupying the room.

If you’re ready to take on some DIY energy improvements, check out Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives’ 18 Simple Ways to Save. The booklet offers a step-by-step, comprehensive approach to saving energy projects.

Last, but not least, take a free online energy audit. You’ll find problem areas in your home and get recommendations for saving (including info about rebates from your local co-op).

For more information or to complete an energy audit, go to togetherwesaveky.com/energyaudit/.