Storm & Traffic Center
Beat the Summer Heat and Save
Don’t let the summer heat burn a hole in the family’s budget. Allegheny Power’s Watt Watchers programs provide many easy ways to be more energy efficient and save money during the hot summer months. Here are simple things that can lower both energy usage and electric bills as temperatures rise.
For homes with air conditioning:
· Set the cooling thermostat as high as comfort permits. The higher the thermostat setting, the less energy you consume.
· Keep lamps, television sets and other heat-producing appliances away from air conditioning thermostats.
· Turn off window air conditioning units in unused rooms, and keep the doors to those rooms closed.
· If you have central air or a heat pump, make sure that registers are not obstructed by draperies or furniture.
· Check the air conditioner filter at least once a month and clean or replace it as necessary.
· Keep outdoor sections of air conditioning equipment free from shrubs and other obstructions.
Tips to keep cool while reducing summer energy bills:
· Install the proper amount of insulation in your home, and caulk and weather-strip doors and windows. Keeping heat outdoors during the summer months is just as important as keeping it indoors during the winter months.
· Increase attic ventilation. Excessive attic temperatures can increase the strain on your air conditioner and decrease its useful life. Consider a solar attic fan if you are unable to provide enough natural ventilation.
· Turn off all lights and electronic devices that are not being used
· Schedule activities that produce heat and humidity – such as showering, cooking and laundry – in the early morning or late evening when outdoor temperatures are generally lower. Also, avoid running only partial loads in the dishwasher, washing machine and clothes dryer.
· Control humidity levels by using exhaust fans when cooking, showering or bathing, and remember to turn off the exhaust fans after humidity has cleared to avoid venting cool air.
· Use the microwave rather than the conventional range for cooking during the summer months.
· Keep window shades, Venetian blinds and draperies closed on the sunny side of the house, and use devices such as awnings, overhangs and sunscreens to shade windows from the sun.
· Check your cooling system and replace old, outdated appliances with energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® qualified products. For more information and a list of these energy saving products, visit: www.energystar.gov.
Tips for long-term planning:
· Plant trees on the south, east and west sides of the house to provide shade. They will also cool the air as moisture evaporates from their leaves.
· Use light colors to reflect solar heat. Keep this in mind when selecting shingles for the roof or paint for the outside walls.
For more information about keeping energy costs down during the summer, visit www.alleghenypower.com and click on the “Watt Watchers” link, or call 1-877-928-8928 to speak to one of our Watt Watchers representatives.