In Essex County: PSEG Offers Hot Weather Energy Tips

As the spring and summer weather arrives in Essex County, energy use – as usual – is expected to soar.

PSE&G – the gas and electric provider responsible for almost 75 percent of New Jersey’s residents – has announced that it expects to provide a summer peak of 10,306 megawatts this year, up from 9,474 in 2014. [See related Patch article]

Save some money and make the world a greener place this year with the following tips, courtesy of PSE&G.

• Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting to 78° F only when you are at home and need cooling.
• Install a programmable thermostat.
• Use fans to circulate cool air.
• Set refrigerators and freezers to the most efficient temperatures. Recommended temperatures are 35°-38° F for the fresh food compartment, and 0° F for freezers.
• Run such appliances as clothes washers and dishwashers in the morning or late evening to avoid the peak demand hours of 2 to 8 p.m.
• Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows. Eliminate air leaks around window air conditioners with foam insulation or weather-stripping.
• Close blinds and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat.
• Turn off power sources. TVs, computers and other electronic devices draw power when they are in standby mode or turned off but still plugged in. Plug electronics into power strips and turn off the power switch when the items are not in use.
• Use timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
• Replace old appliances with new energy efficient Energy Star appliances.
• Install whole-house fans to bring in cooler night-time air that can pre-cool a house and reduce energy use in the daytime.