Staying cool without going broke

So much for that unusually cool summer we started off with this year. It’s officially (really!) hot. You’re probably feeling like cranking up the air conditioning, but you’re also probably worried about what that will do to your energy bill. To help manage the costs of keeping cool, PG&E offers these energy efficiency tips:

• Save 10 percent to 20 percent on cooling costs by setting your thermostat to 78 degrees while you’re home.

• Save 5 percent to 12 percent on your cooling costs by setting the dial at 85 degrees while you’re out of the house.

• Providing shade for your air conditioner will save 2 percent to 3 percent.

• If you have a pool, set the filter and sweeper to run during off-peak hours (after 7 p.m. and before noon) and shorten the time that it operates.

For more tips, call PG&E’s Smarter Energy Line at (800) 933-9555.