SCE offers tips to help customers stay safe, cool, and conserve energy in just five steps
How to Handle the Heat
By Lisa Aubry
While the official start of summer is still on the horizon, temperatures are heating up early as much of Southern California Edison’s service area is forecast to see temperatures as high as 100 degrees this week.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory through Thursday, warning there is an elevated risk for heat illness.
Over the next few days of rising temperatures, following a few tips can help create a temperate oasis, shielding you from the harsh rays of the sun and saving money on electricity use. Form these heat safety habits now and benefit from them throughout the upcoming summer.
Fine-tune fan setup: The direction your ceiling fan turns matters. Make sure to maximize coolness by adjusting your ceiling fan to turn counterclockwise. This direction causes the fan to circulate a cool downdraft rather than mix hot air in a room. And remember to turn the fan off when done, because fans cool people, not rooms.
Shield from the sun: Most of the sunlight that falls on standard double-pane windows converts into heat in the home. Block that warmth by tilting your blinds up before closing drapes or shades. When outside, look for shade and accessorize with a hat, loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
Keep your cool: Don’t let cooler indoor air escape through faulty seals on doors and windows. Patch up as many cracks and air leaks as possible to keep the cool air inside your space. Sealing cracks is a good way to boost your air conditioner’s efficiency .
Shower time: A shower can help your body cool down. Extend the cooling period of your body post-shower by letting your hair air-dry instead of using hair dryers.
Avoid using the stove: Turning on the stove can feel like you just cranked up the heat. To keep your home cooler, avoid using the stove and instead try munching on cool, room-temperature dishes . For cooked food consider using a microwave or grill.
For more information, visit sce.com/billhelp.
