Tips to help conserve energy and save money this summer PSE&G is encouraging customers to save energy and money by taking steps to help keep electric bills under control as electric bills rise higher this summer due to increases in the cost of energy. The company is offering the following tips to conserve energy and save money: • Turn off everything not being used, including TVs and computers. Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting • Use fans to draw cooler air inside during the night and circulate air during the day. Even if you have air conditioning, ceiling and other fans provide additional cooling and better circulation so you can raise the thermostat and reduce air conditioning costs • Close blinds, shades and draperies facing south and/or west to block summer light and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently • Close doors leading to uncooled parts of the home. If you have central air conditioning, close off vents to unused rooms • Delay heat-producing tasks such as doing laundry until later in the day. Wait until loads are full and wash with cold water whenever possible, using coldwater laundry detergent • Wash only full loads in the dishwasher and use the shortest cycle that will get dishes clean. If operating instructions permit, turn off the dishwasher before the drying cycle, open the door, and let the dishes dry naturally • Unplug extra refrigerators in the garage or basement and use only when necessary. A refrigerator in an uncooled space uses more energy on hot summer days than it does during the winter. Refrigerators that are only 10 years old can use twice as much electricity as new Energy Star-labeled models • Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows. Eliminate air leaks between window air conditioners and windows with foam insulation or weather-stripping • If possible, install a programmable thermostat and set it to your daily and weekend schedule. If health permits, raise your thermostat from 73 to 78 degrees, which can save as much as 15 percent in cooling costs. Clean and replace air conditioner filters regularly, following manufacturer's instructions • Convert to energy-efficient, lowwattage, compact fluorescent lighting and fixtures to lower lighting costs. Remember to recycle the light bulbs at stores that accept bulbs, or take bulbs to the county hazardous waste collection facility on drop-off days. For more energy saving tips and a free online home energy analysis, visit www.pseg.com/saveenergy. Click on the "At Home With Energy Star" video podcast to watch a home improvement expert take you through a real home for more ideas on how to save on your energy bill.