(July 22,2016) High temperatures and humidity are baking much of the central United States this week, sending the thermometer to above 100 degrees in some places for the first time this year. The National Weather Service calls it a heat dome, which is a high pressure system that has pushed conditions to their hottest point this summer so far. While you can’t control your utility bill, there are some steps that can be taken to better manage utility bills. Anthony Swinger is a spokesman for the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor and has some tips, including waiting to use the big appliances until nighttime.
Swinger says there are many low-cost and no-cost steps that can help add up to savings for the consumer, while also helping to ease the electric grid’s workload at its busiest time.
Another thing Swinger says to remember to use ceiling fans, but turn them off when you leave the room, and unplug anything that’s not being used, including cell phone, tablet and computer chargers.
Swinger says there are some things people may not know, like using ceiling fans only when you’re in the room, and running them counter clockwise in the summer. Most fans come with a switch to move the air in different directions. You want the fan to run counter-clockwise at higher speeds in the summer to move a breeze around, and clockwise at lower speeds to help distribute heat in the winter.