Beat the Peak By Adjusting Your AC

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Electricity is more expensive from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., especially in the summertime. That’s because there’s a greater demand for power. During this time, more people are in their homes, running the air conditioner or using appliances and electronic devices. Collectively, all this energy usage puts a strain on the grid and drives up the cost of power.

We work hard to keep rates as low as possible, so it’s important that we reduce the amount of electricity we need to purchase during peak hours of the summer. Our Beat the Peak program encourages all of our members to use a little less electricity between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., because if everyone saves a little, we could all save a lot.

Your air conditioner is likely the largest energy user in your home, which means it’s also the biggest opportunity for savings. By making a few simple changes to the way you use the AC, you could significantly reduce the amount of energy you consume during peak hours.

Try these eight energy saving strategies for your air conditioner.

  1. Turn your air conditioner up to 78 degrees. Experts say this is the most efficient temperature for the unit.Turning the AC down just one degree below 78° could increase your cooling costs by as much as 6 percent!

 

  1. Use your ceiling fan. On a hot August afternoon, a 78° home may not seem cool enough. Fortunately, there’s a way to keep comfortable without touching the thermostat. Turn your ceiling fan on at the highest setting to feel up to 4° cooler.

 

  1. Take it one degree at a time. If you absolutely must turn the air conditioner down, move the thermostat dial one degree at a time. Your home won’t cool any faster by moving the dial down several degrees. Plus your AC might end up running longer and using more energy than is necessary.

 

  1. Install a programmable thermostat. Put your air conditioner on a schedule to save energy without thinking about it. You can program your thermostat to a warmer temperature when you’re typically away from home and to cool down before you return. It’s also great for scheduling savings during peak hours!

 

  1. Change your air filter every month. A clean air filter saves energy because it allows your AC to work more efficiently. Make sure you’re swapping out the filter every month.

 

  1. Cook outside. Fire up the grill and cook dinner outdoors. Using your oven will add extra heat to your home and cause your AC to work harder to cool it.

 

  1. Go outside.  Even if you’re not cooking a meal outdoors, escaping your home is an easy way to save energy. Turn up the AC and spend some time out of the house during peak hours. You could visit the beach, library, movie theater or your local park.

 

  1. Use small appliances. Small appliances are another great alternative to your oven. A toaster oven, slow cooker or microwave use less energy and produce less heat than your oven.