Energy efficiency tips to stay cool this summer

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) – As temperatures rise and summer sets in, Entergy is reminding customers that staying cool doesn’t have to mean higher energy bills. By making a few simple changes at home, customers can improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity costs.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that heating and cooling account for more than 52% of the average household’s electric bill. Poor insulation, air leaks and outdated HVAC systems can drive those costs even higher. To help manage usage, Entergy recommends several low-to-no-cost tips to keep homes cool and energy bills in check.

Energy-saving tips include:

• Change air filters regularly. Some units require monthly cleaning or replacement.
• Set thermostats to the highest comfortable temperature. A smaller gap between indoor and outdoor temperatures reduces energy usage.
• Use programmable thermostats to manage energy use more efficiently.
• Run ceiling, box or oscillating fans to circulate cool air. Make sure ceiling fans spin counter-clockwise during summer months and turn them off in unused rooms.
• Close blinds, curtains and vents in unused rooms to block out heat and save cool air.
• Seal air leaks around windows, doors and ductwork with caulk or weather stripping.
• Track usage with myAdvisor. This tool allows customers to compare energy use by month, day or hour.

In addition to offering these tips, Entergy provides free residential energy audits and rebates to help offset the cost of energy-efficient upgrades.

Tools and programs to help manage bills

Entergy’s Bill Toolkit platform gives customers easy access to energy efficiency tools, financial assistance and bill management resources. Customers can use myAdvisor, available through their myEntergy account, to monitor daily energy use, review bill history, track trends, and manage budgets.

Entergy’s mobile app also includes usage tracking via the “Usage” tab, allowing customers to stay informed on the go.

To further support customers, Entergy offers several flexible payment options:

• Pick-A-Date lets customers choose when to pay their bill.
• Level Billing averages usage throughout the year for consistent monthly payments.
• PaperFREE billing delivers bills by email with access to two years of billing history.
• AutoPay deducts bills automatically from a bank account, avoiding late fees.

Entergy encourages customers needing additional support to explore deferred payment arrangements or payment extensions, which are available through the Entergy app or myEntergy online.

For more energy-saving resources, visit Entergy’s website.