Chicago

How to Keep Your Bill Low in Extreme Heat: ComEd

There are some simple steps to keeping costs down during dangerous heat

High temperatures can also lead to higher energy bills, according to ComEd, but there are some ways to save energy during dangerous heat. 

According to the energy company, homeowners can follow some simple tips to keep costs down while ensuring a safe and cool home. 

Here's what they recommend:

Turn it off: Turn off all unnecessary lighting and devices.

Manage your thermostat: Set your thermostat at as high a temperature as comfortably possible and ensure humidity control if needed. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting thermostats to 78 degrees when you are home and need cooling. Install a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust your home's temperature settings when you're away or sleeping. 

Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed: Heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. Simply closing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat gain from the sun in your home. 

Use ceiling fans to circulate air: For those without air conditioning, use ceiling fans or portable fans with the windows partially open to circulate fresh air into your home and create a breeze to help cool you off. For those with air conditioning, fans can be used to evenly distribute cool air and can make a room feel up to 4 degrees cooler. Remember though that fans cool people, not rooms. Therefore, fans should be turned off in vacant rooms. 

Use appliances wisely: Run appliances that produce heat (like clothes dryers, ovens and dishwashers) at night when it is cooler.

Contact Us