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Continuing hot
weather conditions can cause dramatic increases in power use as
residents often turn up air conditioners and use them for longer
periods than usual.
Here are some energy
saving tips from Sarasota County to reduce power costs:
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Close shades or
blinds to prevent the sun from adding more heat to the room.
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When using an
air conditioner, set the thermostat no lower than 78
degrees. Each degree lower increases cooling costs by 6
percent.
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Turn it off when
you leave home, and use a timer to pre-set it for 30 minutes
before you return.
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If possible, use
a fan instead of an air conditioner in a well-ventilated
area.
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Fans use 70 to
90 percent less electricity than air conditioners.
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Use portable
fans and/or ceiling fans to increase air circulation in
areas where people spend time.
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Strategically
placed fans can increase the effectiveness of central and
window air conditioners. Use fans only when people are
present.
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Turn off unused,
non-essential appliances, including televisions and
computers that are on “stand-by” mode.
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Even though they
are not “on,” TVs and PCs still draw power.
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Use the energy
saver option on your dishwasher.
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Operate
dishwashers, washing machines and dryers with full loads.
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Wait to use
heat-producing appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers,
and clothes washers and dryers when it’s cooler in the late
evening or early morning. This also reduces energy demand at
peak times.
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Instead of using
a kitchen oven, use a microwave or toaster oven or outside
grill.
Residents also can
take a number of steps to improve home energy efficiency:
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Seal gaps in
windows and doors to keep the heat out.
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Keep filters in
air conditioners clean to make them more efficient.
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Make sure your
air conditioner (central or window unit) is shaded from the
sun and clear of grass, weeds, shrubbery, or other
obstructions so it has adequate ventilation and does not get
overworked or overheated.
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Outside air
conditioning coils should be kept clean with mild soap and
water.
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Use a
programmable thermostat, turning up the temperature setting
and/or shutting off the air conditioner whenever possible.
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Add insulation,
particularly attic insulation.
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Excessive heat
can move into living spaces from outside, the attic, or a
hot garage. Investing in an insulation upgrade often
produces significant-enough energy savings to be recovered
quickly.
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Good insulation
also increases home comfort and reduces or eliminates the
problem of temperature variance on different levels, or in
different parts, of some homes.
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Install more
energy efficient windows because windows can be the source
of large energy transfers.
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Many windows are
designed and insulated to reduce air leakage.
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Also, many new
windows contain thin, transparent window coatings that
permit visible light to pass through them, but help block
heat transfer.
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