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(Idaho Power News Brief, July 18, 2023)
Hot weather has arrived, and that can mean increased energy use (and higher bills) as we cool our homes and businesses. Idaho Power has tips to stay cool and manage your summer energy use when it’s hot outside.
- Close doors, windows and blinds during the day or when you’re away, especially on the east and west sides. If safe, open your windows at night or in the morning to let in cooler air.
- Do laundry and run the dishwasher in the early morning and late evening hours to avoid adding heat to your home in the warmest part of the day.
- Turn the A/C off when you’re going to be gone for an extended period. Make it even easier by installing a smart or programmable thermostat. Idaho Power offers a $75 cash incentive when you install an internet-enabled smart thermostat in a home with an electric furnace or heat pump.
- Weather strip doors and windows to prevent losing cool air to the outside.
- Install a ceiling fan in rooms used frequently. Moving air can help you feel up to four degrees cooler, allowing you to raise the temperature on your thermostat. Ceiling fans are effective in homes both with and without A/C, but remember to turn them off when you leave the room.
- Check your A/C’s air handler or furnace filter. Dirty filters reduce a system’s efficiency.
- Consider installing an attic fan to draw hot air out of the house.
For more energy-saving tips, visit idahopower.com/save.
