We encourage customers with air conditioners to cool their homes gradually by slowly turning their air conditioners down two degrees every hour or so. If all air conditioning customers turn their thermostats way down when they get home from work after 5 pm, high demand could cause scattered outages. Following our hot weather tips can also lessen the demand on your air conditioner.
For the 40 percent of our customers who do not have air conditioning, there are things you can do to increase your comfort and safety during a heat wave. If your home doesn’t have a permanently installed cooling system, contact Emerald's Energy Services team to learn about energy-saving ductless heat pumps. We have rebates and incentives to help you keep cool!
Please remember to take extra health precautions when outdoors during high temperatures. We have crews that work in extreme heat, so we understand the importance staying hydrated and cool. It’s imperative to take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water instead of trying to push on through the heat. Without taking these steps, you can end up having an accident or sudden illness requiring emergency medical attention.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, muscle cramping can be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke. Heat stroke is an emergency requiring medical attention.
TIPS TO HELP YOU KEEP COOL
- Avoid using the oven. Cook on the stovetop, use a microwave or grill outside.
- Early in the day or late at night, wash only full loads of dishes and clothes. Air dry dishes and clothing.
- If you have a ceiling fan, remember to run your fan’s blades counter-clockwise to blow air downward and create a cooling breeze. Remember, the fan’s wind chill effect helps YOU to cool down, but it does not cool the room. If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.
- When taking a shower or bath, use the bathroom fan to remove heat and humidity from the air.
- Cut down on activities that produce a lot of heat, such as running a computer or dishwasher, and using hot devices such as curling irons or hair dryers. Even stereos and televisions will add some heat to your home.
- When it cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while sleeping. When you wake in the morning, shut windows and blinds to capture cool air.
- Set your thermostat as high as is comfortably possible. Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting to 78°F (26°C) only when you are at home and need cooling.
- Avoid setting your thermostat colder than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
- Weatherize your home to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. Use weatherstripping to seal leaks around windows and doors, or caulk or foam for larger gaps and cracks on non-moving parts of the window. This will seal out outside drafts, moisture and dust, thus preventing heat loss (or the loss of cool air!) and mold, while improving air quality and keeping bugs out of your house!
- Stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water and schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
- During heat waves, stay in frequent touch with elderly relatives and neighbors. Make sure pets have adequate shade and water available.