(Pasco, WA) -- Because of the ongoing extreme heat, Franklin PUD is seeing power use higher than normal. To help ease the strain on the electric system, customers are encouraged to conserve energy and use appliances during non-peak times. Peak times are 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Suggestions include:
- Set the air conditioning thermostat at 78 degrees or your highest comfortable setting. Higher settings cost less; lower settings cost more.
- Don’t try to speed-cool at a very low temperature setting when you return home from work or a day away. Your AC won’t cool any faster set at 68 degrees than it does at 78 degrees.
- Don’t use dishwashers, clothes washers and other appliances at peak times. Use the delay start and set for late at night.
- If you have ceiling fans, run the fans and the air conditioner at the same time when you’re home, but set the air conditioner thermostat a few degrees higher. A fan’s breeze on your skin increases evaporative cooling. You’ll feel cool at a higher room temperature, which can save on your energy bill.
- Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric range or oven. Avoid using appliances that generate heat such as ovens or use during the late evening when temperatures have dropped.
- Close curtains during the day to keep rooms from warming up from the sun.
- Clean or replace furnace filters. Dirty filters slow airflow through your HVAC system making it work harder and costing you more money.
- Replace incandescent bulbs with LED lightbulbs. Not only do they use less energy, they generate much less heat.
- When TVs, computers and lights are not in use, turn them off.
For more energy tips, visit www.franklinpud.com.
