Keep Cool, Save Money with Hot Weather Energy Tips

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Near record-setting temperatures are expected through mid-week and the Tennessee Valley Authority is already working with your local power company to ensure that the power keeps flowing when you need it the most.

All of TVA’s diverse generation sources are being readied and crews from both TVA and local power companies are preparing for the more extreme conditions.

Unfortunately, higher power consumption leads to higher power bills down the road, but there are some simple steps consumers can take today that can help keep them cool and still save money:

• Set your thermostat a little higher — every degree above 76 degrees can save up to three percent on your power bill.
• Make sure your air conditioner filter is clean — a dirty filter means the air conditioner won’t get as cool and uses more power than necessary.
• Use ceiling and floor fans to keep air moving in your home — they use a lot less power than setting your air conditioner lower.
• Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day — this helps keep the heat of the sun from coming in while adding a little more insulation to keep cooler air in your home.
• Consider using your gas or charcoal grill outside for cooking rather than your stove or oven, which will heat up your home. Or use your microwave, which is faster and uses less power.
• Avoid using your dryer or dishwasher between noon and 8 p.m. — it keeps that extra heat from entering your home during the worst parts of the day.
• Unplug any unused or unnecessary electronic devices — even when they are turned off, they still are generating heat

Additional energy saving tips can be found at TVA’s EnergyRight website (www.energyright.com). Consumers can also find out how to extend their cost savings year-round with the help of the new eScore program, a partnership between TVA and your local power company that allows you to complete a simple self-audit to show how to make your home more energy efficient.