Hillsborough County Energy Manager, Randy Klindworth, offers energy saving tips for both homeowners and businesses.  Tips for the summer include:

• Close shades, drapes and blinds during the day(facing all directions)
• Don't choose a lower air conditioning temperature when you first turn it on. It won't cool faster – whenever it's running it's cooling as fast as it can. A thermostat set low cools longer, not faster.
• Use a microwave instead of the range/oven. The microwave doesn't heat the kitchen.
• With central AC or heat pump, keep all air conditioning supply registers (vents) open, don't close off rooms or registers. That doesn't save money, and it may lead to costly problems
• Plant shade trees. Outside shade can reduce air conditioning costs by 30%. Shade on the east and west side of the building is most important.
• See more energy tips...

Year-Round Energy-Saving Tips
Tampa Electric's website offers valuable energy-saving tips, an appliance calculator, downloadable brochures and more. Save energy and money when you:

• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in the summer and 68 degrees Fahrenheit or lower in the winter.
• Service your heating & cooling system annually.
• Run ceiling fans in occupied rooms.
• Turn off your water heater when your home is vacant for two or more days.
• Clean your dryer's lint trap before each load.
• Replace standard incandescent bulbs with energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).

Find more tips at tampaelectric.com/save.