As temperatures rise this summer, customers often see higher electric bills as they depend on their cooling systems to beat the heat. Mon Power and FirstEnergy are sharing some simple ways to use less energy without sacrificing comfort – especially as temperatures soar.
These tips can help a person stay cool and help keep bills manageable:
- Check air filters: Filters should be replaced a minimum of every three months. Dirty filters force a cooling system to work even harder, using more energy in the process.
- Set thermostat: Set the thermostat as high as comfort will allow. Minimizing the indoor and outdoor temperature difference helps take the strain off of the HVAC system.
- Invest in a smart thermostat: A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust the temperature in one’s home based on a set schedule. Increasing the temperature while one is away can help reduce energy use.
- Use blinds, drapes or window covers: Direct sunlight will warm up the home. Close drapes or blinds on windows facing the sun to prevent direct radiant heating from impacting interior temperatures.
- Minimize heat in the home: Avoid using heat-producing appliances during the hottest times of the day, which can make the air conditioning work harder. Take advantage of an outdoor grill instead of the stove or oven and use other appliances during the early morning or evening hours.
- Open windows at night: If a person lives in an area where nights are cooler and less humid, give the cooling system a break by opening the windows to let in a nice breeze.
- Set fans counterclockwise: This creates a downdraft that pushes cool air down. Be sure to turn fans off when leaving the room – fans cool people, not rooms.
- Use ventilation strategies: Bathrooms and laundry rooms are great spots for ventilation fans to help remove heat and humidity. Just be sure they are pointed to the outside.
- Weatherproof one’s home: Look around for any openings or cracks around doors and windows. Caulk, weatherstrip or seal any areas that could be letting in hot air.
- Close up unused rooms: Close cooling vents and turn off window air conditioners in unused rooms. Keep doors to unused rooms closed.
For more tips and resources to save energy and money year-round, visit www.firstenergycorp.com/saveenergy.
