(KNSI) – As summer swings into central Minnesota, Xcel Energy offers tips on keeping those energy bills from boiling over.
To keep a home and wallet shielded, close blinds and shades to block direct sunlight, invest in a programmable thermostat that can automatically turn on to keep the house cool when people are home and let it be warmer during the hours no one is there. Replace air conditioning air filters regularly.
Use fans and keep room doors open to encourage airflow. Install weather stripping around outside doors and windows to seal in the colder air. Increasing insulation in walls, crawl spaces, between floors and around vents can also be helpful. Xcel also recommends using energy-saving appliances and LED bulbs.
Xcel Energy offers dozens of energy and money-saving programs for customers, including appliance rebates, home energy audits and deals on smart products.
The company also works with state and local agencies and advocates for customers who qualify based on income to provide energy assistance to those in need. Customers requesting help with their bills can learn more by clicking here or calling 1-800-895-4999. In 2024, energy assistance programs provided over 70,000 customers in Minnesota with about $66 million in support toward their energy bills.
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