Get Ready for Rising Temperatures

With summer knocking on the door here in Oconee, you may already be running your air conditioner.

Not only does your AC consume more energy in the summer–so do appliances that keep things cold, like the refrigerator and freezer.

So how do you stay comfortable and save energy at the same time? There are several steps you can take to accomplish both.

First, let’s talk about the air conditioner. The advice covers three concepts:  not creating additional heat for the already overworked air conditioner; helping the air conditioner operate at peak performance; and keeping outside heat outside.

When outside temperatures reach summertime levels, your air conditioner is already struggling. It’s actually normal for the unit to run hours on end during extreme days. Try not to make extra heat that adds to its workload.

Follow these suggestions to eliminate unnecessary heat in your home:

• Delay cooking until at least 8 p.m. If you’re canning summer vegetables, get an extra early start so you’re finished before afternoon heat rolls around.
• Cook dinner on the grill, have cold foods or dine out at one of our local restaurants to avoid using the oven or stove.
• Use the same strategy for drying or ironing clothes–early in the day or later in the evening.
• Turn off lights. Ninety percent of the energy a standard incandescent bulb consumes is given off as heat. Consider changing to compact fluorescent bulbs.

To help your air conditioner operate at peak performance:

• Change the filter regularly. A dirty filter restricts airflow, so the cool air has a harder time getting to all parts of your home.
• Check indoor vents to assure they’re not blocked by rugs or furniture.
• Make sure grass clippings or other debris are not sucked into the outdoor unit.
• Have the unit checked and tuned by a licensed heating and air contractor.
• Use ceiling or portable fans to supplement the air conditioner. This allows you to feel just as cool at a higher thermostat setting.

 Keep outside heat outside by:

• Pulling drapes and blinds to block the sun’s rays, especially on the west exposure during the afternoon.
• Limiting window and door openings; remind children to close outside doors behind them.
• Making sure attic insulation and roof ventilation are adequate.
• Weatherstripping or caulking cracks and gaps as needed.

 Not sure if your insulation is up to par? Check out our home energy audit video.

And finally, to help refrigerators and freezers:

• Locate them in air conditioned space rather than outside in extreme heat.
• Keep the unit’s cooling coils free of dust.
• Of course, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed.

Let’s hope we won’t see the extreme temperatures that we saw in 2010, where it took 50 to 75 percent more energy to cool your home. But if we do, is ready to deliver dependable electric power to keep you comfortable.