Green Mountain Offers Easy Steps Texans Can Take to Reduce Energy Consumption This Summer

AUSTIN, Texas — May 16, 2008 — Although summer doesn’t officially begin until June 20th, it is time to start preparing for the hot weather. The season’s warm temperatures typically bring an increased demand for electricity, as people use their air conditioners more. Coupled with rising energy costs, this could mean higher electric bills for those who don't plan ahead. Green Mountain Energy Company, Texas’ only electricity provider dedicated to cleaner energy, is providing some simple things Texans can do to help beat the heat and high bills. By saving energy, these tips will not only help reduce electric bills, but also reduce your household’s carbon dioxide (CO2) footprint.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Traditional electricity production is the largest source of industrial air pollution in the U.S., and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average U.S. household is responsible for the emission of almost 20 tons of CO2 annually. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Households can help reduce their emissions by making positive choices to implement our top 7 summer energy tips — one for every day of the week.

“Many people don’t realize that by conserving energy they can also reduce their household’s pollution,” said Paul Markovich, senior vice president of Residential Services, Green Mountain Energy Company. “Since this is likely to be another sizzling summer, we want Texans to understand that they can have a positive impact on both the environment and their energy bills by taking these important steps.”

Green Mountain’s Top 7 Summer Energy Tips

1. Have your A/C unit(s) inspected before summer. Dust build-up on the coils reduces the cooling effect, causing the unit to use more electricity.



2. Replace air filters on a monthly basis, especially during the summer. Clogged, dirty filters block normal air flow and significantly reduce your A/C system’s efficiency.



3. If your A/C unit is too old, replace it. Compared to a 15-year old unit, today’s energy efficient models use 30-50% less electricity. Be sure to look for one with the ENERGY STAR label.



4. Make sure your doors and windows are properly sealed to keep the cool air in and the warm air out. Weather-stripping and caulking are inexpensive, easy and an essential parts of home energy-efficiency.



5. During warm weather months, you can save up to three percent off your bill for each degree the thermostat is set above 72°F.



6. Keep the sun’s heat out. Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep the sun's heat out and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently. Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home. With central air, close off vents to unused rooms.



7. Fans help draw cooler air inside during the night and circulate air during the day. Ceiling fan blades should be rotating clockwise during the summer months. Even if you have air conditioning, ceiling and other fans provide additional cooling and better circulation so you can raise the thermostat and contain air conditioning costs.

In addition to implementing any or all of these steps, homeowners can also consider getting a personalized home energy audit to help find additional savings. A typical Texas household can reduce their annual energy consumption by as much as 25 percent to 30 percent by following the audit's recommendations.

About Green Mountain Energy Company
Green Mountain, the nation’s leading provider of cleaner energy and carbon offset solutions, began in 1997 with a simple idea: “to change the way power is made.” The company offers consumers and businesses the choice of cleaner electricity products using renewable sources such as wind, water and solar that help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted into the air. Green Mountain customers have collectively helped avoid over 4.1 million tons of CO2 emissions .