SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Temperatures in Sioux Falls are expected to soar into the 90’s and beyond over the weekend and into the beginning of next week. We all know what that means. Air conditioning! Xcell Energy has a few suggestions to help residents save power, money and to stay frosty.
Use your blinds or curtains to regulate the temperature in your home –close them on hot days to keep the heat out.
Make sure exterior doors are fully closed – Exterior doors that are left cracked open or not latched can lead to a loss of cooling in the home.
Use ceiling fans to your advantage – Ceiling fans use less energy than air conditioning and can help cool a room during warmer days and should run counter-clockwise in the summer to circulate cooler air.
Use a whole-house or attic fan – the fan will draw in cool nighttime air and push out hot air during the day.
Have air conditioner coils cleaned – Cleaned and maintained air conditioners improve efficiency and help save energy. Changing the filter will also help the machine run more efficiently.
Upgrade your thermostat – A programable thermostat will let you set the temperature in your home to use less energy when you’re away. A smart thermostat will allow you to control the temperature when you’re away.
Customers can also help reduce their overall bills by : 1) Turning off unnecessary lighting (Mom and Dad gave us this one years ago) 2) Replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, which use 75 to 80 percent less energy than traditional bulbs and last 15 per cent longer. 3) Running washing machines, dishwashers and clothes dryers with full loads after the heat of the day, which helps keep the house cooler and reduces strain on the local grid. 4) Opening interior doors improves the circulation of air inside the home.
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