STAMFORD, Conn., June 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Everyone knows a good shade tree can provide welcome relief from the blistering summer sun. However do you realize those same trees can reduce your air conditioning bill as well?

MXenergy, one of the nation’s leading independent energy providers and a leader in the sustainability movement, is encouraging its customers to use their “green thumb” when tackling rising summer cooling bills. An early summer heat wave and an unexpected spike in natural gas prices will mean many people will feel the heat when opening their utility bills during the summer months. MXenergy is issuing simple measures every homeowner can take to help cut costs this summer.

“In a perfect world a great way to cut costs is a new high efficiency air conditioner,” says Marjorie Kass, MXenergy Managing Director. “But new units cost thousands of dollars and that is simply not realistic for many homeowners. The simple fact is though there are easy, inexpensive steps we all can take that can have an immediate impact on our home cooling bills.”

MXenergy “Beat The Heat” Summer Tips

Get In The Shade: Planting fast growing shade trees on the southeast or southwest side of your home can have a fairly dramatic impact on your home cooling bill. Look for a tree that will provide dense shade and grow to a height of 60+ feet. By strategically placing your trees, you can provide cooling shade for your home in the summer yet allow maximum winter sun exposure. Take into account the tree’s root system and make sure you plant far enough away from the house to avoid overhang and clogged gutters.

Bring Nature Indoors: A good houseplant in a room with direct sunlight can reduce a room’s temperature by as much as four degrees. This reduces strain on your air conditioning unit and cuts down on cooling bills.

Stir Things Up: Utilize attic and ceiling fans. The continuous use of ceiling fans will constantly circulate air throughout your home, keeping the temperature cool and constant and again placing less strain on your air conditioning unit.

Use Reflective Paint: If this summer’s plans include sprucing up your home’s exterior, consider purchasing reflective paint. Reflective paint contains tiny glass beads, which reflect sunlight and heat away from your home. This heavy-duty paint lasts longer and has low VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions meaning you can feel good about your environmental impact as well.

For more energy saving tips as well as information on carbon offsets and reducing your carbon footprint visit the MXenergy website at www.mxenergy.com.

About MXenergy

MXenergy is one of the fastest growing retail natural gas and electricity suppliers in North America, serving approximately 500,000 customers in 41 utility territories in the United States and Canada. For over 11 years, the company has provided millions of customers with a choice in how they purchase energy to run their homes and businesses. Founded in 1999 to provide natural gas and electricity to consumers in deregulated energy markets, MXenergy helps residential customers and small business owners control their energy bills by providing both fixed and variable rate plans MXenergy is committed to best practices in environmental conservation, supporting local communities through various outreach programs and is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange. For more information about MXenergy please visit www.mxenergy.com.

SOURCE MXenergy