Summertime Conservation Tips from NV Energy
Media Contact: Karl Walquist (775) 834-3891 kwalquist@nvenergy.com
How can you stay cool and comfortable this summer without torching your energy budget?
"The most important thing you can do is move your thermostat to a higher setting," said Chad Piekarz, an energy consultant at NV Energy. "We recommend setting the thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees when you are away."
Piekarz offered other conservation tips that are applicable anytime, and especially when you’re trying to beat the heat:
- Purchase a programmable thermostat to automatically set your air conditioner to operate when needed and to shut down when it’s not needed, usually when your home is unoccupied.
- Maintain your air conditioner by regularly changing air filters and cleaning condenser coils, making sure they are free of debris.
- Turn off lights, appliances, computers and other electronic devices, including chargers for cell phones and iPods, when they're not in use.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with more efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use 75 percent less energy than incandescent lights and last 10 times longer.
- Open windows to let Mother Nature cool your home at night and in the morning when temperatures are cooler. Keep blinds and drapes closed during the heat of the day to keep the heat out.
- Use your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer later in the day as these appliances can heat a house, and use your outdoor barbecue when possible because your kitchen oven can also rapidly heat the house.
- Use portable electric fans and ceiling fans to keep indoor temperatures cooler while holding down energy costs.
"The dollars saved with these simple techniques can add up quickly," Piekarz said. For energy conservation tips tailored specifically for your home, Piekarz recommends signing up for a home energy audit. "This is a free service provided for all of our customers," said. "We will inspect the your home's insulation, ductwork, and heating and cooling systems then provide you with a detailed checklist clearly explaining what might be necessary to increase your energy efficiency."
You can also visit the company’s website www.nvenergy.com and perform your own online energy audit.
For additional information on any of NV Energy's energy efficiency and conservation programs, visit the website or call (775) 834-4444.