Easy, Energy

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With a few simple adjustments, you – and your power bill – can ride the heatwave cool and comfortable. Here are some energy-saving tips:

Cool with a breeze. Ceiling fans are an energy-efficient way to circulate air and help you feel cooler; they allow you to keep the thermostat about 4 degrees higher without sacrificing comfort. Turn off the fan when you leave the room.

Shade your home. Add an awning or hang a sunshade on the south and west sides of your home to block the sun’s radiation. Even better than inside window shades, you’ll feel the difference with a cooler home and lower bills.

Use windows to your advantage. Open your windows at night to let the cool air in, and close your blinds during the day to keep the sun out. For more savings, upgrade to energy-efficient windows that help block solar rays. You may be eligible for a PUD window rebate.

Turn up the thermostat. Keep your home’s thermostat around 78 degrees during the day and if comfortable, open your windows and turn the AC off before going to bed to cool off naturally at night. Smart thermostats can save energy by automatically adjusting to your personal schedule –­ and can earn you a $150 rebate (or $75 for ductless).

Upgrade your cooling. Outdated heat pumps and air conditioners can raise cooling costs, so can leaky window ACs. Upgrade to a new energy-efficient heat pump or ductless heat pump and receive a rebate of up to $4,000 from Chelan PUD. If you have a newer system already, consider a tune-up and change your air conditioner filters for better efficiency.

Launder wisely. Heating water accounts for about 90% of your washing machine’s energy use, so use cold water instead. Give your dryer a break and hang your clothes out to dry – in this dry heat, they can dry faster than in your dryer!

Cook without heating your home. Cook with a microwave, barbecue outside or try a no-cook recipe instead of your oven or stovetop.

For additional information, visit the Chelan PUD website.