Consumers Energy is asking Michiganders to keep their thermostat at 78 degrees as hot weather comes to the state over the course of the week. Temperatures are expected to be in the low-to-mid 90s beginning Tuesday and continuing through the weekend.
“Due to the high temperatures forecasted this week, we are offering tips for customers that will help save energy and money,” said Lauren Youngdahl Snyder, Consumers Energy’s vice president of customer experience. “Consumers Energy is committed to helping Michiganders stay in control of their energy use and still stay comfortable, even on summer’s hottest days.”
The company is projecting that people will use their air conditioners 40 percent more than a typical July. Because of that, they say to set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you're home and even higher when away, which could save you 1-3 percent on cooling costs for every degree you increase.
Consumers is also sending emails, text and voice alerts to consumers if they are using significantly more energy.
They also say to install a smart thermostat and program you A/C shortly before you get home, and to clean your air conditioning filter regularly.
The tips they have are below.
- Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you’re home and higher when you’re away. You’ll typically save 1 to 3 percent on cooling costs for every degree you dial up.
- Clean your air conditioning filter regularly. Dusty filters can make your appliance work harder, wasting energy.
- Install a smart thermostat and program it to start your air conditioner shortly before you get home. Consumers Energy offers rebates of up to $100 on Wi-Fi enabled thermostats.
- Seal leaks in your home. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, you could save up to 30 percent on annual energy costs by doing so. Inspect and seal around doors, windows, recessed lights and attic hatches
- Keep cool with fans. A ceiling fan cools fast and costs less than air conditioning. You can also reduce the need for air conditioning by installing an attic fan. Run your ceiling fan counterclockwise, pushing air downward to cool more efficiently.
- Close drapes, shades and blinds during the day to prevent the sun from heating your home unnecessarily. Open windows and doors in early morning and in the evening to let cooler air in.
- Use your stove, oven, dishwasher and clothes dryer in the morning or evening when it’s cooler outside. They add extra heat to your home and make your air conditioner work harder.
- Sign-up for the AC Peak Cycling program, which lowers the output of your air conditioner unit during select summer days. You'll get $32 per full year you're enrolled. Enroll at www.PeakPowerSavers.com/ac .
