The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio provides consumers with summer energy efficiency tips

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio provides some tips to consumers on how to use energy efficiently in order to better manage energy bills during the hot days of summer.

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio
Contact: Matt Schilling

COLUMBUS, OHIO – As the heat index outside rises, the consumption of energy to cool the inside of your home likely increases too. With the help of these tips from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), you have the ability to use energy efficiently and better manage your energy bills.

Each day, most Ohioans rely on electric, natural gas and water to run your homes. During the summer, the electric used to run air conditioning and appliances can become costly. The PUCO encourages you to take the following steps to help your household stay cool.

• During the day, block the heat from the sun by closing windows, doors and curtains.
• To save money on cooling costs turn the thermostat to 80 degrees or higher when you are sleeping or away from home. Raising the temperature by 5 degrees for eight hours can reduce your cooling costs by 3-5 percent.
• Look for an air conditioning unit that is ENERGY STAR approved.
• Avoid creating unnecessary heat and humidity in the house during summer days. Plan to do heat and moisture-creating activities such as washing dishes, doing laundry, bathing and cooking before noon or after 8 p.m.
• Limit the amount of time you run kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans. Only run them for as long as it takes to get rid of any odors to minimize losing cool air.
• If you use a window air conditioning unit, make sure it fits correctly into the window to reduce the amount of cool air lost.
• Consider using a window fan, which requires as little as 1/10 the amount of energy needed to run an air conditioner.
• If furniture is covering vents and is effecting air flow, the air conditioning will have to work harder to reach the desired temperature.  Keep vents clear for maximum results.

To view the entire press release, click on the link below.