Idaho Power Provides Summer Energy Saving Tips

June 22, 2022

Idaho Power has provided the following summer energy saving tips to their customers:

• Check your thermostat setting to align it with your comfort and budget. In the warmer months, each degree you raise your thermostat reduces cooling costs by 2–3%.
• Use ceiling fans, floor fans and box fans instead of reducing the A/C temperature. Fans can make you feel up to four degrees cooler and help maintain comfort in occupied rooms.
• Close windows and blinds during the day or when you’re out of the house, especially on the east and west-facing sides. If safe to do so, open windows at night or in the morning to let in cooler air.
• Keep doors closed as the outdoor temperatures rise — and seal air leaks with spray foam, caulk or weatherstripping to prevent losing cool air to the outside.
• Do laundry and run the dishwasher in the early morning or late evening hours. This will avoid adding heat to your home during the warmest part of the day.

• Turn off lights. Consider using energy-efficient LEDs along with security timers and motion sensors or smart bulbs (controlled by an app on your cell phone or tablet) to create a lived-in look.
• Turn off your A/C or raise the temperature. Remember, if you set your thermostat to 85°F and the temperature outside gets to 95°F, your air conditioner will provide 10 degrees of cooling for the empty house. Install a smart thermostat, and your home can be cool and comfortable in time for your return.
• Switch off computers and power strips, and unplug small appliances and electronics. This will cut energy use 24/7 and reduce fire hazards.
• Turn your electric water heater down or turn it off to save electricity while you’re gone. If you turn it off, it will take about four hours to reheat once you turn it back on.
• Consolidate refrigerators and freezers. Unplug the empties, and leave doors propped to keep the insides odor-free.