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Jul 17, 2006 4:11 pm US/Eastern
Conserving Energy In A Heat Wave
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
Prolonged periods of extremely high temperatures can not only raise the mercury outside. They can cause significant increases in your electric bills.
To combat that,
Con Edison offers these hot weather energy conservation tips:
Air Conditioners Don't cool rooms that aren't occupied.
Open windows on breezy days instead of turning the air conditioner on.
Make sure your air conditioner is the proper size for the area you are cooling.
Check your air conditioner filter at least once a month and keep it clean.
Turn off your air conditioner when no one is home.
Set the automatic timer to turn on your air conditioner ½ hour before you arrive home.
Ceiling fans can make your air conditioner's job easier while saving you money.
General Improving the ventilation in your attic can lower the temperature of the entire house.
Energy-efficient appliances save energy and money.
Cook outside on a barbeque grill rather than using the oven.
Drapes, shades, and awnings shield windows from the hot sun, keeping your home cooler.
Run the dishwasher only when it's completely full.
Take advantage of the energy-saving control on your dishwasher.
If you prefer incandescent bulbs, try to use "energy-saver" bulbs.
Run your clothes washer only when you have a full load of laundry.
Clean your dryer's lint filter before each load.
Washing your laundry with cold water whenever possible can save energy and money.
Overloading the dryer makes it work harder.
Replace ordinary incandescent bulbs with new compact fluorescent bulbs.
Turn off instant-on features on appliances.
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