Stay safe during record heat wave

Temperatures are forecast to climb to record levels, but you can stay cool, use less energy and save money with these tips

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With triple-digit temperatures forecast throughout the region over the next several days, here are some tips on how to beat the heat, use less energy and save money in your home.

Be air conditioner smart
Set your thermostat at 78 degrees. Cooling your house below that temperature can increase your air conditioning bill by as much as 8 percent. Don’t turn off the air conditioner when you’re gone; instead, set it at 85 degrees. That setting allows your air conditioner to use less electricity to cool the house than if the air conditioning has been off all day.

Use a smart or programmable thermostat to automatically adjust the temperature around your schedule. Set it to start bringing your home’s temperature from 85 degrees down to 78 degrees no more than 30 minutes before you get home.

Don’t let the sun shine in your home
On warm days, close blinds and drapes, especially in south-facing windows which allow in the most heat.

Open windows and circulate cool air
Open windows in the evening and early morning to let in cool air. Use fans to bring in and circulate cool air. Ceiling and window fans use much less electricity than air conditioning. Running an air conditioner in fan-only mode can also be effective as outside temperatures drop.

Reduce the heat inside
Use heat-producing appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and dryers in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Use a microwave, slow cooker, or toaster oven. A toaster oven uses one-third to one-half as much energy as a regular oven and releases less heat into the home. Turn off heat-generating devices when not in use, including lamps, televisions, and computers.

Be safe.
With sweltering temperatures, you need to protect yourself. Drink plenty of water and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Also, check on any neighbors who may have limited contact with others and may need a fan or other assistance.

“Heatwaves are something Pacific Power experiences each year,” said Pacific Power in a press release. “From a power supply perspective, we do not anticipate heat-related service interruptions during this current heatwave.”

A press release from Pacific Power contributed to this article.