Tips to beat the metro Detroit heat
DTE Energy offers ideas for using air conditioners, fans and common sense
Weather forecasts for Metro Detroit call for daytime highs in the low 90s through Thursday, July 8, and then in the low to middle 80s for the seven days that follow.
Here's a sampling of home-cooling tips from the DTE Energy experts, starting with your air conditioner:
(1) When possible, place window air conditioners on a shaded side of the room.
(2) Set the thermostat at the highest setting that still keeps you comfortable. If you leave home for more than five hours, you can shut off the machine or raise the temperature up to 10 degrees. If you prefer 74 degrees but can deal with 76, for example, the difference can cut your cooling cost by 5 percent.
(3) Check filters to see if they are dirty. If so, remove the filter, wash and dry it, and then reinstall. Also look for obstructions such as leaves and grasses on the outside, or furniture items and draperies on the inside.
(4) If you have central air conditioning, avoid closing room doors. You might end up with a room that becomes colder than the home as a whole, a waste of electricity.
If you are relying on a fan, try these ideas:
(1) Ceiling fans should draw cooler air up from the floor, not blow air down on you. Therefore, the blades should rotate clockwise during the summer.
(2) During the day, a window fan works best when it pulls air out of the home. During the night, the fan can be reversed to draw cooler air inside.
(3) Maybe you rarely visit the attic, but you might discover vents that can be opened.
(4) Whether or not you have air conditioning, use an exhaust fan to suck air out of the kitchen while cooking.
Here are some general tips:
(1) Close your blinds, shades and curtains.
(2) Close your fireplace damper.
(3) Finally, here's an idea you may appreciate: Don't run the dishwasher until evening, when temperatures are lower.
DTE Energy also offers discounts on purchases of energy-efficient air conditioners. For information, see yourenergysavings.com.
Sources:
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dte-energy-offers-tips-to-stay-cool-this-summer-95441154.html
http://weather.yahoo.com/united-states/michigan/detroit-2391585/
Published by Michael Thompson
Michael Thompson is a retired newspaper reporter who lives in Saginaw, Michigan. Main topics are political and social justice issues, with occasional escapism into sports and so forth. View profile
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3 Comments
Post a CommentThank you. I'm always looking for ways to save money.
Excellent tips for these dog days of summer coming! :-)
summer in the city can be brutal! great tips!