As the heat wave continues, it’s important to make sure your space is cool to avoid heat-related illnesses, but sometimes, lowering your thermostat can drive up energy bill costs.PPL, a utility provider, and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission are giving tips to ensure you are saving energy while cooling your home.According to PPL, the optimal range to set your thermostat to while saving on energy costs is between 72 and 78 degrees.The higher the temperature, the more money you will save. Many factors can impact energy costs, but on average, every degree you raise your air conditioning thermostat above 72 degrees saves you 1% on cooling expenses.Depending on building conditions, you can save up to 3% of your energy bill per degree.If you do set your thermostat at a lower temperature, you can still save energy in other ways. It’s recommended not to use large appliances like dishwashers, stoves, washers or dryers during the warming hours of the day. Not only do these appliances contribute to higher energy costs, but they can produce heat in a home.The Public Utilities Commission highlighted several ways to save money on energy while ensuring a cool environment inside a home:Check your Thermostat – The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill.Clean is “Green” – Regularly clean and replace air conditioner filters and ensure air circulation paths are clear.Power Off – Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat. Don’t Cool Unneeded Space – Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses.Keep the Heat Outside – Seal cracks to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.If you notice rooms in your home that are warmer than others, try opening doors to the room to let cool air circulate inside.If you don’t want to lower the temperature on a thermostat, consider investing in a fan. The PUC said circulating air with a fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler, without needing to lower your thermostat.
LANCASTER TOWNSHIP, Pa. —
As the heat wave continues, it’s important to make sure your space is cool to avoid heat-related illnesses, but sometimes, lowering your thermostat can drive up energy bill costs.
PPL, a utility provider, and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission are giving tips to ensure you are saving energy while cooling your home.
According to PPL, the optimal range to set your thermostat to while saving on energy costs is between 72 and 78 degrees.
The higher the temperature, the more money you will save. Many factors can impact energy costs, but on average, every degree you raise your air conditioning thermostat above 72 degrees saves you 1% on cooling expenses.
Depending on building conditions, you can save up to 3% of your energy bill per degree.
If you do set your thermostat at a lower temperature, you can still save energy in other ways.
It’s recommended not to use large appliances like dishwashers, stoves, washers or dryers during the warming hours of the day. Not only do these appliances contribute to higher energy costs, but they can produce heat in a home.
The Public Utilities Commission highlighted several ways to save money on energy while ensuring a cool environment inside a home:
- Check your Thermostat – The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your cooling bill.
- Clean is “Green” – Regularly clean and replace air conditioner filters and ensure air circulation paths are clear.
- Power Off – Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat.
- Don’t Cool Unneeded Space – Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses.
- Keep the Heat Outside – Seal cracks to prevent warm air from leaking into your home.
If you notice rooms in your home that are warmer than others, try opening doors to the room to let cool air circulate inside.
If you don’t want to lower the temperature on a thermostat, consider investing in a fan. The PUC said circulating air with a fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler, without needing to lower your thermostat.
