According to the National Weather Service, a heatwave is defined as “a period of abnormally hot weather generally lasting more than two days.” During this heatwave, we encourage people to remember the NWS acronym HEAT – Hydrate. Educate yourself. Act quickly. Take it easy.
During a heatwave, customers should:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
- Take precautions such as not wearing dark colors. Know the signs of heat illness.
- Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles. Act quickly if someone exhibits heat illness.
- Avoid overexertion during work or exercise, especially between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Your air conditioners are working over time during a heat wave. Customers can save energy and money this summer by following these simple tips:
- Don’t cool an empty house. Set your thermostat higher when you are away.
- Seal holes and cracks around doors and windows with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Replace air filters monthly. Dirty filters make your air conditioner work harder.
- Use a microwave or crockpot instead of the oven. Or, grill outdoors.
- When washing dishes or clothes, run full loads. Fewer loads use less energy
- Wash laundry in cold water.
- Close blinds and draperies facing the sun to keep out the sun’s heat. This also helps your fans and AC run more efficiently.
- Don’t cool unused rooms. Close the vents and shut the door.
- Ceiling fans cool fast and cost less than air conditioning. In hot weather, set your ceiling fan to spin quickly, counterclockwise to push air downward toward the floor.
For more ways to save on summer energy bills, visit: pseg.com/saveenergy
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