Summer Swelter and Your Electricity

(Ozark, AR) – Because temperatures rise in the summer, so can electricity bills. Air conditioners are consuming more energy in summer months than at other times of the year. The Energy Education Council shares tips to help you stay safe, stay cool, and save money during peak times of summer swelter.

        Air conditioners and fans get more use in times of extreme heat. The increased demand for electricity can strain a home’s electrical system, increasing the likelihood of an electric shock or fire. During times of excessive heat, the high demand is coming from many homes and businesses, which can add to the possibility of electrical grid overloads and failures.

“Cooling your home efficiently this summer does not have to be difficult. You can take many easy steps to lower your electrical demand in the summer, saving you money on your energy bill,” says Erin Hollinshead, executive director of the Energy Education Council and its Safe Electricity program.

The Energy Education Council suggests ways that you can help lower the demand while staying cool when the weather gets hot this summer, and some of these actions can even be taken before a heat wave hits:

• Seal cracks around the house with weather stripping and caulk to keep cold air in and hot air out.
• Use the outdoor air to your advantage. Open your windows at night to let cool air in, and then close them in the morning to trap it. Avoid unnecessary trips out the door in the heat of the day.
• Use curtains and blinds to keep the sun out on hot days.
• Consider shading your home by installing awnings over windows in direct sunlight.
• Operate ceiling fans in a counter-clockwise direction, which forces air down and creates a cooling effect.
• Ventilation is one of the most efficient ways to keep a building cool. In breezy, dry climates ventilation can eliminate the need for an air conditioner altogether. For the many who need air conditioning to cool their homes, attic vents, and fans can help reduce energy costs.
• Operate your thermostat as efficiently as possible. The smaller the difference between your thermostat and the outdoor air temperature, the more you will save on your utility bill. A few degrees can make a big difference, so set the thermostat as high as you comfortably can. Additionally, programmable thermostats allow you to cool your home when you are there easily, and automatically increase the temperature when you are not.
• If you are looking for a new air conditioning unit, be sure to check out an Energy Star-rated model. Appliances with an Energy Star rating meet and often exceed energy efficiency standards and can end up saving you money over the lifetime of the appliance. For those living in arid climates, consider evaporative or swamp coolers, which release moisture into the air for a cooling effect. These coolers work at a fraction of the cost of air conditioners.
• If a new AC unit is out of the question, a routine annual inspection and regular maintenance of your current unit can help prepare it to run more efficiently over the summer months. Turn off the power to the air conditioner before you work on it. Clean or replace filters. Outside, clear leaves and other debris away from the condensing unit. Hose off any accumulated dirt.
• It is also a good idea to vacuum your air registers every spring to remove the buildup of dust and debris that block cold air from circulating throughout the house.
• Make sure your home has the insulation it needs. EnergySavers.gov has information about the best insulation to use in different geographic areas.

Your safety is important, so do not simply ignore rising temperatures. Prevent heat-related illnesses by seeking out cool environments, drinking lots of water, and wearing light clothes.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you or someone else experiences heavy sweating and weakness, immediately seek a cool environment, drink water, and apply a cold compress. If these symptoms progress to high temperature, vomiting, and unconsciousness, seek emergency medical attention.

For more information on energy safety and efficiency, visit SafeElectricity.org.