Cooling

Keep Cool When It’s Hot Outside

Here are a few ideas for ways to save energy and money when it’s hot outside!

  • Close outside doors, windows and blinds or curtains  during the day when you’re out of the house, especially on the east and west sides. If safe to do so, open your windows at night or in the morning to let in cooler air.
  • Avoid producing heat inside during the hottest part of the day. Do laundry, run the dishwasher, etc., in the early morning and late evening hours when it’s cooler. Use an electric pressure cooker or a slow cooker instead of the oven.
  • Try cooling down with a cold shower rather than cooling the entire house.
  • Consider installing a whole-house fan to draw cooler outdoor air into the house in the evening hours so you can turn off your air conditioner (A/C).
  • Plant deciduous trees or install awnings to shade your home, especially on the south and west sides of your house. Before planting trees, make sure they won’t interfere with power lines once they grow to their full size. Refer to our Tree Planning Guide for more information.
  • Consider installing a ceiling fan in frequently used rooms. Moving air can make you feel up to four degrees cooler. Ceiling fans are helpful in homes both with and without A/C.
  • Turn off the A/C when you’re going to be gone for an extended period.

For assistance with a PDF on this page or to request a PDF in an alternate format, please contact Customer Service at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151