By Ben Armstrong

PHILADELPHIA PA – It may not be a “scorcher,” but the heat of summer is right around the corner, and it’s never too early to begin preparing for it. You can use less energy and help the environment and your wallet this summer, all by following a few simple tips from PECO.

Electricity usage normally increases during hot humid days because of the use of cooling appliances like air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers. More electric usage means utility higher bills, but you can minimize these effects with the following suggestions. They can help you reduce energy usage by 30 percent or more, and save on overall home energy costs:

• For customers with central air conditioning, keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level (74 to 76 degrees) when at home. Raise the thermostat setting for days with extreme heat (90 degrees or higher) to save even more. Lowering the thermostat setting below the desired temperature will not cool the home faster.
• Ensure that room air conditioners are sized properly for the room, and turn the unit off if someone is not going to be in the room for an extended period of time.
• Place window air conditioners on the north or shady side of the house to avoid overworking the unit in the hot daytime sun.


Spread the cool around.

• Use fans to evenly distribute cool air and reduce the air conditioner’s “on” time.
• For those without any air conditioning, consider using ceiling fans or portable fans operating with the windows partially open to circulate fresh air into the home.
• To reduce heat and moisture during the warmest part of the day, run appliances in the early morning or evening hours when it’s generally cooler outside. These include ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers. Also, use a microwave to cook, or barbecue outside, if possible, during the hottest days.
• Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. Simply drawing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat gain to your home. Awnings are even better and can dramatically reduce radiant heating. Window coatings and window film can reflect as much as 80 percent of direct rays from the sun.
• Turn off all unnecessary lighting and appliances, which add heat to the home.
• Keep doors firmly closed to keep cool air in and hot air out. These include entrances to the outside, garage or attic.
• When shopping for appliances such as refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners, look for the Energy Star label, and purchase the most affordable energy-efficient unit. Newer more energy-efficient models lower monthly operating costs.
• Replace your old standard incandescent bulbs with new compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). They use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they last up to 10 times longer.

PECO understands that higher summer temperatures mean increased energy usage and higher utility bills. Consumers can visit the company’s website to find even more energy-saving tips, energy calculators to help consumers better understand how they use energy, and an online store for discounts on energy saving products for their home or business. The company also offers information on energy assistance programs, budget billing and payment options.

Editors Note: This article was written by Ben Armstrong, a representative of PECO. The company is a Philadelphia-based electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corp. PECO supplied this article and is responsible for its content. Its publication is part of The Post’s Sunday Contributor series, for which guest authors are invited to offer submissions. If you’d like to become a Sunday Contributor, please e-mail The Post.

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