Easy Ways To Save Energy and Money This Summer
Courtesy of Duquesne Light Co.
As we approach the "dog days" of summer, temperatures and energy usage typically increase. Electricity consumption is high and it’s a great time for consumers to use electricity wisely in the home.
As a general rule of thumb, the best place to start is identifying those appliances that you believe use the most electricity. Below are some general summer-related energy efficiency tips that may help lower your home’s energy use and lower your electric bills, too.
Air Conditioners & Fans
- Buy the smallest size air conditioner needed to cool your home. Look for the EnergyStarâ
label, those appliances identified by the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy as being the most energy-efficient products in their classes.
Set air conditioning thermostats no lower than 78°
.
Place window-unit air conditioners on the shady side part of your home.
Keep vents and filters clean.
Use fans instead of air conditioners whenever possible.
Use window fans in evenings and overnight when outdoor temperatures are cooler.
Refrigerators & Freezers
- Avoid continuously opening and closing the door.
- Keep grilles and coils clean.
- Keep the temperature between 37°
and 40°
F for the refrigerator and 0°
and 10°
for the freezer.
- Limit the use of an old refrigerator or replace with an EnergyStarâ
model.
- A full-freezer is a more efficient freezer.
- Regularly defrost the refrigerator.
Pools, Showers & Sprinklers
- Take short showers – baths use more hot water and more energy.
- Don’t run water while brushing teeth or shaving.
- Don’t water decorative vegetation if rain is forecast in the near future.
- Reduce the operating time of the pool filter and automatic cleaning sweep to four or five hours, and during off-peak hours.
Lights & Appliances
- Buy EnergyStarâ
certified table lamps and light fixtures, and replace incandescent light bulbs that are used more than two hours per day with EnergyStarâ
compact flourescent bulbs.
- Turn-off appliances, lights and equipment when not in use.
- Unplug electronic appliances and chargers when not in use; most new electronics use electricity even when switched "off."
- Turn off computers and printers at the power strip when not in use.
Visit us on the Web at www.duquesnelight.com or call us at 1.888.393.7100. If visiting the customer self-service number, please press 4 - 3 - 1 immediately, then follow the directions for additional information concerning Wise Use Tips.
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