
Though the week's worst heat has passed, the scorcher's far from over. Forecasts show a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in the 90s. Instead of taking a hit on your electric bill consider these tips to keep cool on a budget.
- Raise your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher
- When you are away from your home, raise the thermostat even higher. A programmable thermostat can allow you to set the temperature higher when you are away and lower when you know you will be home to appreciate the cool temperature.
- Keep shades and curtains closed to keep the sun rays out of your home.
- Check and clean air conditioning filters at least once a month to ensure your unit is running efficiently.
- Run large appliances that generate heat, like your dishwasher and dryer, in the evening after the sun goes down. The additional heat these appliances generate will make your home warmer and cause your air conditioner to run more.
- Turn off all lights and unplug anything that you are not using.
Check out more tips at Dominion's website.
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