[August 03, 2011]

Reliant Launches Online Videos for Energy Efficient Living

High summer electricity usage can be a pain in the pocketbook. As temperatures continue to hover around the triple-digit mark, Texans are seeking relief indoors and cranking down their thermostats, which can lead to higher cooling costs and higher electricity bills. Reliant Energy is launching a series of online videos to help consumers use electricity more efficiently and perhaps save money on their electricity bill.

"These simple, low- or no-cost tips can help us conserve electricity across Texas and help customers save this summer and in the long run," said Reliant Energy Vice President of Customer Care Bill Clayton. "With these do-it-yourself videos, all Texans can make their households more energy efficient without sacrificing comfort."

The videos will be posted on Reliant Energy's YouTube (News - Alert) channel and the company's online community, EnergyinYourLife.com. They are available at http://j.mp/DidYouKnowTips.

Any electricity consumer, whether they are a Reliant customer or not, can get answers to their energy savings questions from [email protected].

Reliant's Simple and Affordable Do-it-Yourself Energy Efficiency Tips:

1. Did you know there is a right and wrong way to close your blinds?

Window coverings are an easy, no cost way to keep the sun from heating up your house. But, if you see sunlight streaming through your blinds, they might not be closed properly. Closing your blinds up instead of down deflects hea and sunlight, and keeps your home cool and comfortable.

2. Did you know a dirty air filter can cause an air conditioning system to work harder and less efficiently?

Changing the filter on an air conditioning system regularly is an inexpensive and easy way to make sure it's performing at peak efficiency. Check your air filter at least once a month - use a monthly bill or magazine as a reminder - and if it's dirty, replace it.

3. Did you know that for every degree you set your thermostat below 78, you could be adding up to five percent to your summer cooling costs?

Raise your thermostat a couple of degrees and turn on the fan. A fan will make you feel two to four degrees cooler and costs about a penny an hour to operate. Also, if you are gone for more than four hours in a typical day, Reliant recommends raising your thermostat by four degrees. Or, better yet, install a programmable thermostat, set it to your schedule and let the thermostat adjust the temperature of your home automatically.

4. Did you know that your ceiling fan should turn a different direction depending on the season?

During the summer the rotation from your fan should provide a breeze, creating a wind chill effect. If not, your fan may still be operating in the winter mode. A switch on the top or side of the fan changes its direction and puts it in summer mode. Visit (reliant.com/newsroom) to see which way a ceiling fan should turn in the summer.

5. Did you know there is a quick and easy way to tell if your air conditioner system is working properly?

Before picking up the phone to call an air conditioning repair company, Reliant recommends checking the temperature of your house and the air coming out of your air conditioner vents. At minimum, the air coming out of the vents should be 15 degrees cooler than the ambient room temperature. If it's not, it may be time for a service call. Air conditioning can account for 60 to 70 percent of your summer electricity costs, so making sure your unit is operating properly is the most effective step you can take to control your electricity costs and stay comfortable this summer.

6. Did you know that leaving doors and vents closed in unoccupied rooms does not save energy?

Air conditioners require free flowing air through all the rooms in order to work at peak efficiency. For this reason, it's best to leave doors and vents open in all rooms.

About Reliant Energy

Reliant Energy provides electricity and energy services to more than 1.5 million retail customers-including homes, small and large businesses, manufacturing facilities, government entities and institutions across Texas. The company also offers service to commercial, industrial, governmental and institutional customers in the Northeast and is expanding to offer service to residential customers in the region. As part of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG), Reliant Energy is backed by one of the nation's largest power producers. NRG owns and operates 25,000 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity, including more than 11,000 MW of capacity in Texas. For more information about Reliant Energy products and services, visit www.reliant.com.

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