Stay calm, keep cool
Temperatures have started climbing into and around the 100 degree mark; air conditioning units are being kicked on; sunshades are up in car windows, and swim suits are being pulled out for some pool time.
There, however, other steps you can take to stay cool this summer and save energy as well .
This week, the National Weather Service, forecast.weather.gov, predicts a high of 98 degrees today, 96 degrees for Wednesday and Thursday before dropping to a high of 86 degrees Friday with a chance of storms.
"Summer in our area is legendary for high energy usage," said Keith Buchhalter, Overton Power District (OPD) customer service supervisor. "The good news is that you can do plenty of things to keep your electric bill under control."
Buchhalter said, to start, don't crank up the air conditioner. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests a temperature of 78 degrees when home and awake but setting it higher when leaving the house and sleeping.
Also, don't turn the AC unit off. It might save energy during the day, but when turned back on, it will work nonstop to cool the house down.
Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day to keep the sun out of the house.
Get a fan. Even though it won't cool a room it will maximize air circulation and can make a room feel 5 to 8 degrees cooler.
Also, replace light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs like LEDs. They generate less heat and use less energy.
Wait to do laundry, dish washing and cooking until it's cooler outside, Buchhalter said.
The AC unit outside is just as important as the part inside. Make sure the outdoor unit isn't obstructed with weeds or debris. Be sure the AC filter is cleaned frequently. A dirty filter can make the unit work harder.
Finally, be sure to seal cracks and holes around doors and windows. If cool air can't get out and hot air can't get in the better your home will feel.
Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss, writers of "EarthTalk" recently explained how to boost vehicle efficiency on long, hot trips.
Even the type of oil used in a car can impact its efficiency in hot weather, according to www.AA1car.com. If using 5W-30 or 10W-30, consider switching to 10W-40 or 20W-30.
"Synthetic motor oils are even better for high temperature protection," the site says.
AAA said it's better to use your air conditioner during the summer in the car because it creates less drag on the engine versus driving with the windows down, according to an Earthtalk article.
"Meanwhile, if you have a hybrid, pre-cool it before you get in so it can devote more electricity to driving when you are out on the road," the article says. "But don't warm-up (or pre-cool) a conventional car, as the extra idling doesn't do the car any good and just wastes fuel and creates extra heat."
Additionally, the article suggests placing a sunscreen in the windshield of the car. This helps keep the interior cool, making it easier to cool down to a comfortable level when first started.
Follow Jesselyn on Twitter, @JbickleyDVT, on Facebook, www.facebook.com/JbickleyDVT or call 702-346-7495.
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