Lights Out! Energy Saving Tips to Battle Heat

With temperatures expected to reach 100 degrees or more this week, many area residents will have their AC units cranked up on "chill" to fend off the heat. Yet as an entire neighborhood tries to cool off, a power outage may occur as a result, according to ComEd. Here are some energy saving tips for Thursday:

• Lights out. Turn off unused lighting and appliances. Replace traditional incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs, which use about 75 percent less energy.
• Be a grill guru. Use an outdoor grill or microwave to prepare meals. Run appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers and clothes dryers, in the early morning or late evenings.
• Stay cool. Keep home thermostats at a constant, comfortable level (75-78 degrees). Keep blinds and curtains closed and use fans to reduce air conditioners’ energy usage and place air conditioners in shady areas.
• Keep away. Move lamps and televisions away from the thermostat, the heat they generate can cause air conditioners to work harder.
• Get paid to save. Use energy-efficient appliances which use less energy than older models. ComEd will pick up and recycle older refrigerators or freezers in good, working condition and pay customers $35 for each appliance. Schedule online or call 1-888-806-2273.

Those in the market for a new air conditioner should look for ENERGY STAR®-qualified air conditioning units, which will be at least 10 percent more efficient than conventional models. It’s a buying decision that can translate into savings of up to $95 per year and also reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, ComEd said in a press release.

The electric company also noted that the electric system is performing well. However, the company encourages customers to manage their energy use efficiently to save money while keeping cool during the heat, including, they said.