When the mercury rises, so does the demand on Connecticut's power supply. Save energy and money this summer with these cool tips.

• Clean or replace window unit or central air conditioning system filters monthly. Dirty filters cause air conditioners to work harder and less efficiently.
• Control your thermostat. In the summer, turn the air conditioner's thermostat to 78°F. Also, put a timer on your room unit or install a programmable thermostat on your central air conditioner.
• Try to keep your air conditioner in the shade. An air conditioner exposed to direct sunlight will use up to five percent more energy than a shaded one. Make sure an outside air conditioner or heat pump is not blocked by shrubbery, leaves or other objects.
• Use your microwave or countertop appliances for cooking instead of the stove or oven.
• Close blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest time of day. This keeps the sun's rays from heating your home.
• Hang clothes outside as often as possible. For small clothing items, try an indoor drying rack.
• Check weather stripping around doors and caulking around windows. Properly sealed doors and windows help prevent warm outside air from entering the home.
• Use fans to draw cooler air inside during the night and to circulate air throughout your home during the day. Fan blades should rotate counter-clockwise in the summer months.
• Weatherstrip around doors and windows. Don't let the cool air escape or the hot air in!
• Set the water level in the washing machine to suit the size of the load - you'll save both water and energy.
• Install a highly efficient two-speed or variable-speed pool pump and use the low speed as much as possible. Also try to Wait 'til 8 to run your pool pump - you'll help ease demand on the grid.
• Keep your refrigerator away from dishwashers, stoves and heating vents.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils four times a year.

When the temperature falls and your heating system kicks into full gear, that is the critical time to pay attention to your energy use. Keep warm and comfortable in the winter by following these energy-efficiency tips.

• It's dark outside - so you'll turn on your lights sooner. Make sure they are energy efficient.
• Control your thermostat. In the winter, set the heater thermostat at 68°F in the daytime and 55°F at night.
• Clean or replace your air filters once a month. Your heater uses more energy when the filter is full of dust. Make sure heating registers and vents are not blocked by draperies, furniture or rugs. These vents should also be cleaned regularly with a vacuum or a broom.
• Use ceiling fans in the winter to push warm air down into the room. Reverse the direction of the blades to turn clockwise in the winter.
• Adjust your water heater temperature to 120°F. Insulate the hot and cold water pipes that run from your water heater tank. Cover at least the first five feet and keep the insulation three inches away from gas flues. You can find foam sleeves or adhesive-backed foam tape at hardware stores.
• Seal leaks around electric switches and outlets. Gaskets that fit behind the switch plates and outlets are available at hardware stores.
• Weatherstrip around doors and windows. Install “sweeps” to stop cold air from sneaking in under outside doors. If the crack under your door is too wide for standard weatherstripping, make a cloth “snake”, fill it with sand or beans, and lay it against the bottom of the door to keep the cold air out.
• Let the sun in. Open your drapes, blinds and shades on sunny winter days to let warmth in and then close them at night to help retain heat.
• Clean the lint filter in your dryer after each use. This lets the air circulate efficiently and helps dry your clothes quicker.
• Dry full loads, but don't overload your dryer. Dry loads one right after another to take advantage of built-up heat.
• Keep your refrigerator away from dishwashers, stoves and heating vents.
• Vacuum refrigerator coils four times a year.
• Cover your spa or hot tub. Use a well-insulated cover with an R-value rating of 12 and foam insulation that is at least 2 inches thick. This will prevent heat loss and evaporation.

• What's the easiest way to lower your energy bill? Switch all your lighting fixtures to compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) - indoors and outside. It's almost four times as efficient as incandescent fixtures and CFLs last ten times longer. Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing these products. You can buy these at hardware stores or through our online SmartLiving Catalog.
• Utilize natural light by placing work areas near windows.
• Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Install occupancy sensors or light timers so lights go off automatically in unoccupied rooms. Light timers are available at most hardware stores.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting on your outdoor lights. This keeps prowlers away and allows you to return to a well-lit house without leaving the lights on all night.
• Use outside solar lighting when possible. Purchase solar-powered security lights.