PAOLA – Now that summer is here – and the higher energy costs because of increased air-conditioning, there are several ways you can cut your utilitiy bills, said Miami County Extension agent Diane Burnett. You can check for leaks into the house around windows or doors, make sure clothes driers aren’t venting into the house and check on the insulation above the furniture. You can also install roof turbines and increase the ventilation in the attic, Burnett said. The simplest way to cut your cooling costs is not to let the heat get into your house in the first place, he said. She said if you don’t have trees to shade your house and windows, you can buy shades or window awnings to keep the sunlight out. If hot air gets through windows or cracks, it means it has to be cooled, which will cost you money, she said.
Tuesday, June 29, 2 p.m.
