Utility offers tips on staying cool during the heatwave – Red Bluff Daily News

As temperatures climb to summer-like heat, PG&E offers these tips to help customers stay safe and comfortable while saving energy at home.

Air conditioning accounts for more than 40 percent of summer residential energy usage so set your thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer, health permitting.

Cool down with a fan: Fans keep air circulating, allowing you to raise the thermostat a few degrees and stay just as comfortable while reducing your air conditioning costs.

Replace filters as needed: Dirty air filters make your air conditioner work harder to circulate air. By cleaning or replacing your filters monthly, you can improve energy efficiency and reduce costs.

Close shades in the summer: Sunlight passing through windows heats your home and makes your air conditioner work harder. Block the heat by keeping blinds closed on sunny days.

If nighttime or early morning temperatures are cool, turn off air conditioners and open windows to let in cool air and use a whole-house fan to draft hot air out of attics.

Turn off lights and TVs when not in use.

Plug all personal electronics into a power strip and simply turn off the power strip when electronics arent in use.

Run washers, dryers and dishwashers on full loads instead of partial loads. Hang dry clothes.

When not in use, unplug small appliances and electronics, like coffee makers and printers. Completely turn off TVs and game consoles.

Turn down the brightness of your TV. Factory settings are typically brighter than needed.Use smaller screens, like tablets, to stream media.

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Utility offers tips on staying cool during the heatwave - Red Bluff Daily News