{ energy saving tips }

Here are some tips for saving on your energy bill this summer. Save $ & Save Mother Earth!

• Take your cooking outdoors. It's the season for grilling, so why not take advantage? It's too hot to slave over a hot oven anyway.
• Give your dryer a break and line-dry whatever clothing you can. If you need to use the dryer, make sure you're doing a full load and clean the lint trap after every use.
• Watch the dial on your thermostat.
• Open windows at night and in the early morning, allowing cool air to enter the house, then close everything up. It will help keep the house cool without switching on the AC.
  
• If your air conditioner is an older model, it will pay to switch to a new, Energy Star-approved one. Not only will it be more effective at cooling your home, but you can also reduce energy consumption by 20 to 50 percent, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council.