With summer off to a hot start, it’s a good idea to take some steps to reduce your electric bill.

Steven Groner is a community and economic development educator with the UofI extension office. Groner says you can also reduce energy use by connecting small appliances to one power strip that can easily be turned on and off.

Groner says weather-strips and caulks will help seal up drafts and leaks so cool air doesn’t escape your home.

It’s recommended that you keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and taking advantage of fans. But Groner reminds:

Using LED light bulbs, shoring up any drafts or leaks and keeping the drapes or blinds closed during the daytime can help cut costs.