How to keep your home cool during high temperatures as heat wave hits South Jersey
A heat wave is on its way to South Jersey. Are you prepared to stay cool?
High temperatures are expected to impact South Jersey and surrounding areas on Monday, June 17, and increase as the week progresses, according to the National Weather Service.
What temperature should you set your AC?
Want to stay cool without shelling out dollar after dollar for your electric bill?
While 78 degrees Fahrenheit has been the standard temperature setting from the Environmental Protection Agency, comfort is subjective, and air conditioning settings may change depending on each household.
According to SmartEnergy.com, you can save up to 3 percent on your utility bill for each degree above 72 you set your thermostat. For each degree above 78 you can save 6-8 percent.
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How to keep your home cool
Want to optimize your home cooling? HVAC.com recommends these tips for the summer.
Use fans: Circulate cool air with fans throughout your home. This creates a "cross flow" that can make your home feel cooler.
Ceiling fans: Utilizing ceiling fans alone won't cool the air in your home, but they can make you feel cooler by creating a wind-chill effect and speeding up the evaporation process on your skin.
Close blinds and curtains: Want to avoid the heat? Cut back on the sunlight. HVAC.com says blackout curtains can reduce the amount of heat that enters a room by up to 24%. So, if you're not using an area of the home, close those drapes.
Avoid certain appliances: If you want to keep the home cool, avoid appliances that generate a lot of heat. Consider utilizing an outside grill instead of the oven or use heat-generating appliances in the cooler evening hours.
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Kaitlyn McCormick writes about trending issues and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at [email protected]. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: What temp should my AC be? How to keep home cool in high temperatures