Just in case you were ready to start pulling out fall sweaters and boots, think again. This weekend calls for a rise in temperatures that will leave you running for the beach. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has some helpful tips on how to stay cool while conserving energy.
For The Home
- Adjust thermostat to 78 degrees to reduce energy usage during the hottest hours of the day when air conditioning systems have to work hardest to cool.
- Limit the use of appliances during peak hours of the day. Use washing machines, dishwashers, vacuum cleaners and other heavy appliances during evening hours.
- Try to avoid using your stove or oven during peak hours of the day, since it will add to the heat inside the home.
- Ventilate your home at night and early morning by opening windows and doors to clear out the heat and allow cooler air to circulate.
- Turn off lights and equipment when they are not in use.
- During the heat of day, close draperies, shades or blinds to reduce the extra heat from direct sunlight.
- Unplug "energy vampires" like cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwave ovens and other appliances that use energy even when turned off or in sleep mode.
- Check your home for adequate insulation and for proper sealing of windows and exterior doors.
Tips for the Workplace
- Turn off your desk and overhead lights, and meeting room lights, if they are not needed, or install motion detector switches in each room.
- Keep personal appliance use to a minimum.
- Turn off all computer equipment when you leave the office or when they are not in use for long periods of time.
- Be sure your computer equipment goes into sleep mode when temporarily not in use.
- Go paperless when possible. Reduced printing and copying translates into reduced energy use
Remember, you can always beat the heat in Agoura by catching a blockbuster at the air-conditioned , grabbing an iced latte at or a spooning down a cold gelato at .
