PINEVILLE, La. – The weather is warming up and air conditioners are beginning to work overtime.  To help stay cool this summer, Cleco is partnering with councils on aging and other agencies to donate fans to elderly across Louisiana.

“Air conditioners are typically the largest energy users in a home,” said Shirley Turner, Cleco vice president of customer experience.  “Raising the thermostat to 78 degrees and using a fan can help the air temperature feel 10 degrees cooler and help reduce energy bills.”

In addition to adjusting thermostats for energy efficiency, Cleco recommends the following tips to help lower electric bills:

• Turn off fans when you leave a room.

• Install a programmable thermostat and raise the setting to the highest comfortable temperature.  You can save three to five percent on your air conditioning costs for each degree you raise the thermostat.

• Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows. 

• Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day

• Use heat generating appliances, such as clothes dryers or the oven, in the evening when temperatures are cooler

Those wishing to donate a new fan can drop it off at any Cleco customer service office between May 21 and 25. 

Cleco customers can click here to learn more about the energy efficiency program and financial incentives or by calling 1-833-373-6842.

Senior citizens living in the Cleco service territory should contact a participating agency to request a fan.  The agencies to receive fan donations include: