Tips to Survive Heat Without Going Broke

With temperatures soaring, you may be tempted to turn your air conditioning on full blast all weekend.

But dialing down the thermostat could lead to a nasty surprise when your next energy bill arrives.

The best say to keep your cool without going broke: use your AC conservatively, and find other ways to keep the climate comfortable in your home.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power suggests these tips:

  • Adjust thermostat to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage during the hottest hours of the day when air conditioning systems have to work hardest to cool.
  • Limit the use of appliances during peak hours of the day- use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances during evening hours.
  • Close draperies, shades or blinds during the heat of the day to reduce the extra heat from direct sunlight.
  • Ventilate your home by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate.
  • Turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use.
  • Unplug "energy vampires" like cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwave ovens and other appliances that use energy even when turned off or in sleep mode.

More information on energy-saving tips and programs is available at www.MyLADWP.com. Select "How to Save" from the drop-down menu. 

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