Save energy during late-summer heat wave
With temperatures forecast in the 90s for the rest of Labor Day week, Delmarva Power wants to help customers save both money and energy by offering the following tips:
Set the air-conditioning thermostat a few degrees higher than usual if health permits. Households can save about 2% on the bill for every degree the thermostat is raised. A smart thermostat can adjust the temperature while residents are away and can connect to mobile devices.
Lower the blinds and close the drapes during the day to keep cool air inside and keep the heating effects of the hot sun out.
Turn on ceiling fans to evenly distribute cool air throughout the home. If they’re reversible, make sure the fans are spinning counterclockwise for summer.
Maximize efficiency. Ensure ducts and fans are not blocked by furniture. This will enable cool air to circulate freely, making the home more comfortable. Consider a tune-up for the air conditioner, and change air filters as well to improve efficiency.
Check housing vents. Some homes have top and bottom return vents with levers. In the summer, open the top vent and close the bottom vent since heat rises.
Run appliances that produce heat (such as clothes dryers, ovens and dishwashers) at night when temperatures are cooler.
Customers can manage Delmarva Power energy bills on My Account. Delmarva Power’s online energy management tools show how much energy a home is using. Residents can also get tips based on their energy-saving goals.
Customers can sign up for energy usage alerts to better understand how and when they are using energy, get an early warning when they are headed toward a bill that is higher than usual, and find smart ways to make their home more efficient. Sign up at delmarva.com/Alerts.
Delmarva Power recognizes its responsibility to help customers use less energy, keep bills as low as possible and support customers who may be facing financial challenges.
Delmarva Power is committed to keeping every customer connected by offering payment arrangements and programs like budget billing, which helps customers avoid seasonal peaks in their energy bills by dividing their payments evenly over the course of the entire year. Delmarva Power also offers energy-efficiency programs and energy-saving information to help customers reduce their energy usage. Information regarding these programs can be found at delmarva.com/WaysToSave.
In addition to Delmarva Power programs, the company works with community and government partners to get funding into the hands of customers who need it most to help meet their energy needs. The company continues to encourage residential customers to apply for energy assistance and take advantage of the millions of dollars that remain available through programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Customers can go to delmarva.com/EnergyAssistance or call 800-642-3780 to learn about additional energy assistance programs.
