PUC shares tips to stay cool, save energy and lower your bills

WILKES-BARRE — As millions of Pennsylvanians experience a surge in hot weather, and the official start of summer arrives later this week, the Public Utility Commission (PUC) on Monday urged consumers to explore simple ways sto stay cool and ways to save— helping to conserve energy and keep summer power bills manageable.

Ways To Stay Cool

PUC’s tip — Circulating air with a fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler, without needing to lower your thermostat.

The PUC says there are several simple things most consumers can do, at little or no added cost, to increase summer comfort while managing power usage and energy costs:

• Fan yourself — Fans circulate the air, keeping you feeling cooler even at higher temps.

• Follow the Shade — Spend time in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.

• Block the heat — Use window blinds and coverings at the sunniest time of day to reduce heat buildup.

• Don’t add extra heat — Postpone using heat-producing appliances like clothes dryers, dishwashers, and stoves until it is cooler.

• Cookout, anyone? — Consider using outdoor barbecue grills or microwaves instead of stoves or ovens, which can increase indoor heat.

Ways To Save

PUC’s tip — Every degree you raise your air conditioning thermostat above 72 degrees can save up to 3% on cooling expenses.

In addition to staying cool, the PUC highlights several #WaysToSave energy and money:

• Check your thermostat — The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill.

• Clean is “green” — Regularly clean and replace air conditioner filters and ensure air circulation paths are clear.

• Power off — Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat.

• Don’t cool unneeded space — Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses.

• Keep the heat outside – Seal cracks to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.

For more energy-saving tips, visit — PAPowerSwitch.com and check your utility’s website for conservation and efficiency resources.

A variety of energy conservation and savings tips are available on the PUC’s official electric shopping website — PAPowerSwitch.com.

Also, many utilities provide information on their websites about conservation, energy efficiency, energy use assessments, and other tools to help manage energy usage. Consumers should explore these resources for additional tips on saving money.