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(Idaho Power News Brief, June 16, 2026)
Warmer temps have arrived, and a few simple changes around your home can help you cut down on energy use during the hot summer months. Idaho Power offers tips to help you save energy and money while staying comfortable all season long.
- Adjust your thermostat settings to align with your comfort and budget. In the warmer months, each degree you raise your thermostat can reduce cooling costs by 2 to 3%.
- Replace your air filter. Dirty and clogged air filters prevent airflow, which can make your HVAC system work harder. Replacing your dirty filter can lower your A/C’s energy usage by 5 to 15%.
- Use ceiling fans, floor fans, and box fans instead of reducing the A/C temperature. Fans can make you feel 4 degrees cooler and help maintain comfort in occupied rooms. Remember — fans cool people, not rooms — so switch the fans off when the room is unoccupied.
- Close windows and blinds during the day or when you’re away, especially on the east- and west-facing sides. If safe, open your windows at night or in the morning to let cool air in.
- Reduce your oven use. Using your oven can add extra heat to your house. Try cooking more of your meals with a microwave, crockpot, pressure cooker, or grilling outdoors!
- Enroll in Idaho Power’s A/C Cool Credit program and earn incentives just for participating.
- Install a whole house fan to cool down the house during the cool evenings and receive a $200 incentive.
For more energy-saving tips, visit idahopower.com/summertips.
