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(Idaho Power News Brief, July 8, 2026)
Summer is heating up, and a few simple changes around your home can help you cut down on energy use during the hot summer months. Check out these energy-saving tips from Idaho Power to help you beat the heat without breaking the bank.
- 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 1 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 about 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, to keep the hot sun out. If outdoor temperatures are cool, and it’s safe to do so, open your windows at night or in the morning to let in cooler air.
- 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!
For more energy-saving tips, visit idahopower.com/summertips.
