How To Save Electricity & Stay Cool

ENID, Okla. - The temperatures in Enid are at 100 and look to stay in the 90s. Trying to stay cool and not spend tons of money can be a bit tricky during these hot summer months. Do you ever wonder how those Oklahoma settlers ever survived?

Here are a few tips to keep you cooler and save some money during these hot summer months in Oklahoma.

Tip #1: PRE-COOL your home.
Program your thermostat to chill your home during cooler times of the day. For instance, start cooling around 11 a.m., maybe 4 degrees cooler than you normally have it set, then bump up the thermostat at 2 p.m. This can help you remain comfortable well past 6 in the afternoon.

Tip #2: Be a fan of fans.
You’ve pre-cooled, but is it heating up? Turn on ceiling or floor fans before touching the thermostat, and stay comfortable longer. Use an exhaust fan to remove heat from the kitchen.

Tip #3: Close the blinds!
Simply close blinds and drapes to help keep the hot sun out.

Tip #4: Lay off household chores.
Don’t turn on the oven during the heat of the day! Delay cooking, do laundry, dishes and vacuuming later. If you have a pool, be sure to run the pool and spa pumps after it cools off in the evening.

Tip #5: Don't run home right after work.
You can run errands, go to a movie, visit the water park, window shop in the mall, get ice cream! The longer you can stay away during the hottest hours, the more you will save and defer building any new fossil-fired generation.

Tip #6: Plant shade trees around your home.
As the trees grow, they can dramatically cut your cooling bills.

Tip #7: Clean or change air conditioner filters monthly.
Keep the air flowing freely by making sure your filters are not blocked.

Tip #8: Open windows at night.
On cooler nights when the temps are tolerable, open your windows and stick in a fan.

Tip #9: Close off rooms you don't use.
If you have rooms that you don't spend time in, you should close the vents and then close the doors.

Tip #10: Put cotton sheets on your bed.
Flannel sheets and fleece blankets are fantastic for insulation but cotton is better for this time of year as it breathes easier and stays cooler.