Electric Company Offers Low-Cost Ways to Stay Cool

The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) offers easy, low-cost ways to stay cool:

• Set the air conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees when family members are home; run fans to feel cooler. Set it a few degrees higher if no person or pet is at home.

• Close and lock all storm and regular windows before turning on the AC.

• Close window shades, blinds, and drapes on the sunny sides of the home. As a quick temporary solution, tack up old, white bed sheets or cloth. White reflects more sunlight.
• Delay running the dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer until late at night or early in the morning.
• Turn the electric water heater temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights, electronic devices, and appliances.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs -- which produce only 10 percent light, but 90 percent heat -- with compact fluorescent bulbs. CFLs are cooler and last much longer.
• Cook with a microwave oven instead of the stove and oven. Grill outdoors.
• Replace or clean the AC filter monthly to keep the AC from having to work harder.

Invest more to save more on electric bills:

• Install a programmable thermostat.
• Have at least 38-R insulation in the attic.
• Install an attic fan.
• Consider installing window awnings on the sunny sides of the house, if your community allows them.
• Install Low-E film on sunny-side windows to repel heat rays.
• Replace regular window-screen mesh with solar mesh on sunny-side windows.
• In the fall, plant shade trees on the southern and western sides of the house.

For more energy-saving tips, go to novec.com/useitwisely12.