It is hot outside! If you are sweltering in your own home, you need to read these tips to learn how to stay cool without running your electric bill up. Right now, everybody is doing what they can to keep their homes cool and many are lowering their thermostats hoping to beat the heat. That creates a massive demand on the power grid and could ultimately cause a blackout. The power grid is not always prepared to keep up with the demands of the city. You can do your part by using these tips provided by your electrician in Santa Monica. If you need more information, give H Electric a call.

1-Close your windows and doors. Opening the windows to allow “fresh air” in is ineffective at cooling your house when the outside air is significantly higher than the air inside your home. Open your windows at night and first thing in the morning, but close them around 10 when it starts to heat up.

2-Close the blinds and curtains. Use heavy curtains to effectively block the sun. This is especially important for those south facing windows. One handy trick that can help on the hottest days is to use an auto sun visor with the reflective backing on it placed in a window.

3-Get that ceiling fan going on high. You can set your thermostat 4 degrees higher and still feel as comfortable as you would with it lower when you have a nice breeze blowing on you. If you normally keep your thermostat at 76, turn it up to 80 to save on your Santa Monica electrical bill.

4-Don’t use the oven if at all possible. If you need to cook, do it on the BBQ or the stovetop.

5-Do not run the clothes dryer during the day. Run it first thing in the morning or late at night. Or, dry your clothes outside.

If you would like to learn more, give H Electric a call today.