Save Energy and Dollars By Following O&R Hot-Weather Tips

Pearl River, NY — It’s summer and the temperatures are going up.

To help electricity consumers save energy and money, O&R has some ideas of ways to beat the heat.

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The company said the top tip is to turn down or turn off air conditioning in your home while you are away or at work, according to information provided by an O&R spokesman.

A timer or a clock thermostat can be installed on your air conditioner and can be programed to operate and shut off at pre-determined hours. This helps cool your home before you return and doesn’t waste electricity cooling empty rooms.

Other tips O&R said will save energy and dollars:

• Set your air conditioner to the highest comfortable temperature. Every degree you lower the thermostat drives your bill up.
• Plan cooking, baking or other household activities that produce heat and humidity for the cooler times of the day and night.
• Use a portable or ceiling fan to circulate the pre-cooled air in your air-conditioned home. A fan uses about 90 percent less energy than an air conditioner.
• In very humid weather, adjust your air conditioner’s fan to a low setting. It’ll take longer for the air conditioner to cool your home, but your unit will bring in steamy air at a slower rate and make you feel more comfortable.
• As the sun moves from east to west during the day, pull your curtains and shades on windows to block out the heat.
• Cover liquid items. They give off humidity that forces the refrigerator to use more energy.
• Place the most used items in one place so that the door will be open for a shorter period of time.

For more energy tips, please visit O&R’s website at www.oru.com.