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How to save money on your power bill while keeping your home cool

There are easy fixes for the mistakes we're making during the summer months.

PHOENIX - An excessive heat warning is in place across the Valley, and keeping your home cool and comfortable is a full-time job.

There are a few things, though, that most of us could be avoiding in order to save money. Mike Donely with Donely Service Center said the basic mistakes we're making during the summer months are easy to adjust.

"The tip—especially when it's over 110—is to set it and forget it," Donely said.

That will keep the air conditioning unit from working overtime once you're off the clock, but Donely said it's not just about the thermostat.

"The circulating fans, the ceiling fans, they all work great when you're in the room, blowing air across you; they don't do any good when you're not home," he said.

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So flip that fan switch off when you leave and don't let vent fans stay on while away.

"There's also the bathroom fan and your clothes dryer, they suck cold air out of the house, costing you more money," he said.

In the kitchen, plan meals ahead so you're not "baking at 350" inside every night, and limit the use of the oven fan.

"What it's doing is sucking out all that cold air that you loved to have in your house and that you paid for, so use it sparingly," Donely said.

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Lastly, change the air filter monthly!

"Even a good filter at the hardware store is $7 to $10 dollars, but if you have to have a service company come out and have to pull it out and look at it, you're looking at about $100," he said.

Plus, draw the curtains, unplug rarely used appliances and know your energy-saving options with your electric company.

RELATED: Here's how people kept cool in Phoenix before air conditioning

 

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