Being Cool, Affordably
ZANESVILLE, Ohio – Summertime brings higher temperatures at no charge but the cost of beating the heat can become an expensive ordeal.
American Electric Power Ohio Customer Experience Manager Julia Ivinskas talked about summertime energy management and offered tips that consumers can use to cut costs in their quest for summertime comfort.
“Your air conditioning is really going to be the biggest user of electricity, the biggest consumer,” Ivinskas said. “We recommend keeping it at 78 degrees. You do really have to determine whatever is safe and comfortable for your family though. And then there’s a couple of other things you want to check into with your air conditioner. Make sure that you’re regularly changing the filters. A clogged filter can actually cause your air conditioner to work up to 15 percent harder than it normally would. So make sure those are changed out and regularly maintained.”
The sunshine that provides warmth on a cold winter day can literally cook surfaces in the summer. Preventing sunlight from shining directly into the home along with restricting the use of heat generating appliances during the daytime will take stress off the air conditioner. Ensuring all your electrical devices are in proper working order is a good way to help you save electricity. Many residents without air conditioning use fans to circulate the air in order to maintain comfort.
“We also recommend making sure that your fan is turning in a counterclockwise direction if you have an overhead fan,” Ivinskas said. “That is going to push that cool air down and really cool you off. And keep in mind though that the fan only works when you’re in the room. So there is no need to leave your fans running throughout the day. It’s just something that’s going to make you feel cooler when you’re in the room.”
Ivinskas also suggested a few digital tools that are available on their website and social media sites that can help customers discover ways to reduce their electric bills, track their electric usage and offer budgeting options, as well as financial assistance to qualifying customers.
