Temperatures are again expected to rise to the upper 80's this weekend, and Wisconsin Public Service says you can do some free or low cost things to keep cool.
Among the no cost things people can do is keep blinds, drapes and curtains closed during the heat of the day, setting a thermostat a few degrees higher will reduce energy use while at home, a thermostat fan switch on “auto” causes the fan to run only when the cooling system does. Another tip is to delay cooking or other heat-producing activities to a time when the outdoor temperatures are cooler.
Spokesperson Matt Cullen says getting your air conditioner serviced will help keep it running efficiently and less costly. He says a tech upgrade will also help...
"They can also see if they'd like to make an upgrade on their thermostat by installing a programmable or 'smart' thermostat. Those devices will schedule when your air conditioning unit runs so that it isn't running frequently or generating cool air when you might not be able to take full advantage of it..."
He says customers should also consider a way to even out utility bills...
"What that does is it takes your annual energy costs and spreads it out evenly over the course of 12 months. That provides a more consistent bill to a customer from month-to-month. It eliminates the highs and lows you see throughout the year on your energy bill..."
Cullen says the WPS website has more information on budget billing and low cost cooling.