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5 things you can do to help lower your energy bills this summer

Summer in St. Louis means temperatures and utility bills are rising, but there are some things you can do to help lower your cooling costs.

ST. LOUIS — As the summer’s scorching heat plagues the St. Louis region, so will rising energy bills. 

For those who would like to lessen the blow to their wallets, there are some things you can do to help make your home more energy efficient, meaning you won't have to crank up the air conditioning as high to stay cool.

5 ways to make your home more energy efficient 

The U.S. Department of Energy offered the following tips on how to keep energy bills affordable during the warmer months:

  1. Schedule regular maintenance for your air conditioning unit to ensure maximum energy efficiency.
  2. Install window treatments and coverings to prevent the heat from coming through your windows during the day.
  3. Use an exhaust fan to remove heat and humidity from your home after taking a shower or a bath.
  4. Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking in. Add caulk or weather stripping to seal leaks around windows and doors.
  5. Keep your house warmer when you're away, and lower the temperature when you're home.

If you can’t afford your cooling costs or energy-related home repairs, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help. Use the following links to apply for utility assistance in Missouri and Illinois.

Can I skip the AC and just use a fan? 

Don’t rely on a fan to keep you cool. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a fan can increase your body temperature and put you more at risk for heat-related illness when it's above 90°F in your home.

If you can't afford to turn on your AC or don't have one at home, visit a designated cooling center, shopping mall, public library or swimming pool instead to get out of the heat. 

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has compiled a map of cooling centers around the state and in the Metro East. Click here to find one near you.

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