An abnormally hot stretch of weather has begun, with a double heatwave likely as many areas will top out in the 90s through Sunday. Heat indexes will likely surpass the 100 degree mark in many areas on Sunday, with areas near Philadelphia nearing 105°.
Temperatures have been around average this summer around our area, despite June 2022 being the warmest June on record. This week-long stretch of weather will be about 5-15 degrees above average.
It’s important to be aware of heat safety. First and foremost, here are steps to follow.
• Never leave children or pets in vehicles.
• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can.
• Avoid walking your pet on asphalt.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
Stay cool inside and save energy in your home. Check out the below tips to cool your summer down and beat the heat from our partner NRG.
Raise your thermostat. If possible, set your thermostat to no warmer than 76°F. The U.S. Department of Energy says you could save about 1% on energy usage for every degree you raise your thermostat over an eight-hour period. Even 74 instead of 72 can make a difference. Better yet, consider getting a smart thermostat. They automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your movements and schedule.
Check air filters monthly and replace as necessary. A clean air filter keeps your A/C running at peak condition. You can get them at any hardware store for relatively cheap. They’re pretty easy to replace.
Close your blinds or curtains during the day. Sunlight can increase the demand on your air conditioner by as much as 30 percent. Don’t make your A/C work that hard.
When doing laundry, bigger is better. You’ll want to run fewer, larger loads rather than more, smaller loads. Whenever possible, don’t let the dryer cool down. Do back-to-back loads in the dryer to take advantage of the heat buildup and use the dryer’s moisture sensor. And be sure to clean the lint tray after each drying cycle.
When cooking, smaller is better. When it comes to appliances and cookware, you want to try and go small. So that means toaster ovens and microwaves instead of the oven and stove. Also, use the smaller pots and pans when you can. If you have ceramic or glass ones, use those because they retain heat better than metal ones. And with longer days, perhaps consider grilling occasionally. It consumes almost no energy and is a great way to bring the family together.
BONUS TIP: Use LED lights whenever possible. According to the Energy Department, residential LEDs — especially ENERGY STAR rated products — use at least 75% less energy, and last 25 times longer, than incandescent lighting. The investment you make now will pay off over the long term.
Check out this news story featuring these tips. Learn more and save your energy costs by visiting picknrg.com.
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