High temperatures are forecasted for much of Colorado, with temperatures in the 90’s and 100’s expected to start as soon as this week. There are a few simple actions you can take to stay safe, healthy and to save energy.
Extreme heat conditions can lead to higher energy bills and put a strain on the electric system. Keeping your living space cool in the summer can be challenging, but here are some ways to help keep the temperature down inside and lower bills:
- Open interior doors to help cool air circulate through the space.
- Keep drapes and blinds closed during the heat of the day.
- Check your AC filters and coils to see if they need to be cleaned or changed to improve efficiency.
- Only run your washer and dryer, and other major appliances, before or after the hottest part of the day to help maintain indoor temperatures and ease strain on cooling systems that are running on high.
Although these actions help, the most important thing is to stay cool. Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the United States and concern over high energy bills shouldn’t be a reason to let homes reach a dangerous temperature. The PUC’s Utility Bill Help (UBH) program can help connect Xcel Energy and Black Hill Energy customers with bill assistance resources. To learn more about UBH, visit https://puc.colorado.gov/utilitybillhelp. If you want to reduce your energy bills and protect your home from the elements, you may also be eligible for no-cost home energy efficiency upgrades through the Colorado Energy Office’s income-qualified Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). Visit the WAP website https://energyoffice.colorado.gov/weatherization-assistance-program for more information.