As the third consecutive day of 90-degree temperatures grips the region, energy use to cool homes tends to rise along with the mercury.
With the current heat wave expected to continue at least through the weekend, PECO is providing tips to help customers manage their energy use, according to a PECO press release.
Here are recommendations that all customers can take to make a difference:
- Turn off all unnecessary lighting and devices.
- Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level when at home. Raise the thermostat setting for days of extreme heat to save even more. Install a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings when you’re away or sleeping.
- About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. Simply closing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat in your home.
- For those without air conditioning, use ceiling fans or portable fans with the windows partially open to circulate fresh air into your home. For those with air conditioning, fans can be used to evenly distribute cool air.
- Run appliances that produce heat (like clothes dryers, ovens and dishwashers) at night when it is cooler.
Customers also should always put safety first – check on elderly neighbors and relatives during prolonged periods of high temperatures.
To reduce the impact that high temperatures can have on monthly energy costs, customers also can sign up for budget billing. Budget billing makes short-term fluctuations in monthly bills easier to handle by dividing annual energy costs evenly throughout the year. Customers having trouble managing their bills should contact PECO at 800-494-4000.
For more ways to save energy and money visit peco.com/smartideas.
