Whether we’re in the hottest days of summer or battling an ice storm, extreme weather can drive up energy use. Below are tips to help keep your energy usage low when the temperature goes up – or down.

Conservation tips

• Unplug electronic devices and turn off lights that are not in use.
• Hold off on doing chores. Delay laundry, washing dishes and other non-essential uses of electricity.
• If you have all electric appliances, washing clothes with cold water, shower quickly instead of taking a bath, cooking foods at the lowest possible setting and refraining from opening the oven door while baking.

Hot weather-specific tips

• Raise the central thermostat to 78 degrees or the highest comfortable temperature.
• Use energy-efficient ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate air to help with your comfort.
• It’s also important to make sure ceiling fans are rotating in the right direction – counter-clockwise during summer – to push cooler air down into the room. To save more energy, be sure to turn all fans off when you leave the room.
• Close window blinds, drapes and curtains to reduce warming in the home from direct sunlight.
• Don’t allow cooled air to escape from the home.
• Make sure the air coming into your home is clean and healthy. Air filters on some air conditioning units require monthly cleaning or replacing. You can also get your A/C inspected to make sure your system is leak-free and operating as efficiently as possible.
• Buy a programmable thermostat. As energy use rises, costs also rise. A programmable thermostat can help you manage those costs when you are away, whether for the day or on an extended vacation.
• Set pool pumps to run early morning or overnight; shut off during peak hours.

Cold weather-specific tips

• Lower the central thermostat to 68 degrees or the coolest comfortable temperature.
• Open blinds, drapes and curtains to let in warmth from the sun.
• Make sure ceiling fans are rotating in the right direction – clockwise during winter.
• Don’t allow warmed air to escape from the home. 

Cooling and heating costs make up about 55% of an average customer’s electric bill. Making easy changes or using tech-friendly tools can help you save more on your bill. And those small energy-saving adjustments can help you and your electric bill. Learn more about energy efficiency and the various programs and resources we offer to help you save energy and money at your home or business.