COLUMBUS, OHIO (July 28, 2016) – As the heat index outside rises,
the consumption of energy to cool the inside of your home likely increases too.
With the help of these tips from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
(PUCO), you have the ability to use energy wisely to better manage your bills.
During the summer, the electricity used to run air conditioning
and appliances can be costly. The PUCO encourages you to take the following
steps to help your household stay cool.
- During the day, block the heat
from the sun by closing windows, doors and curtains.
- To save money on cooling costs
turn the thermostat up when you are away from home. Raising the
temperature by 5 degrees for eight hours can reduce your cooling costs by
3–5 percent.
- Look for an air conditioning
unit that is ENERGY STAR approved.
- Avoid creating unnecessary heat
and humidity in the house during summer days. Plan to do heat and
moisture-creating activities such as washing dishes, doing laundry,
bathing and cooking before noon or after 8 p.m.
- Limit the amount of time you
run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. Only run them for as long as it
takes to get rid of any odors to minimize losing cool air.
- If you use a window air
conditioning unit, make sure it fits correctly into the window to reduce
the amount of cool air lost.
- Consider using a window fan,
which requires as little as 1/10 the amount of energy needed to run an air
conditioner.
- If furniture is covering vents
and is effecting air flow, the air conditioning will have to work harder
to reach the desired temperature. Keep vents clear for maximum
results.
For more information on conserving energy in your home or for any
utility-related concern, visit www.PUCO.ohio.gov or call the PUCO Call Center
at (800) 686-PUCO (7826).
The Public Utilities Commission of
Ohio (PUCO) is the sole agency charged with regulating public utility service.
The role of the PUCO is to assure all residential, business and industrial
consumers have access to adequate, safe and reliable utility services at fair
prices while facilitating an environment that provides competitive choices.
Consumers with utility-related questions or concerns can call the PUCO Call
Center at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) and speak with a representative.