Dominion Energy shares tips to stay cool and save money amid rising temperatures

FILE – In this July 24, 2009 file photo, shows a Honeywell thermostat, for sale at a hardware store in Palo Alto, Calif. Honeywell International Inc. said Friday, Feb. 26, 2016 that it offered to pay $108 in a mix of cash and stock for each share of United Technologies last week. It’s the first time Honeywell publicly confirmed what it offered to pay for United Technologies Corp., which is based in the Farmington, Connecticut. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

(WCIV) — Just a few days after the official start of summer, temperatures are already rapidly rising. In light of the heat increase, Dominion Energy is encouraging customers to take a few simple steps to help manage their energy use and bills while still staying cool and comfortable this summer.

“We’re feeling this heat dome hovering over us earlier than we normally would,” said Dominion Energy South Carolina President Keller Kissam in a prepared statement. “Just like me, our customers will be running their air conditioners around-the-clock to keep their homes and businesses cool in this South Carolina heat and humidity. It’s important for our customers to know that there are some easy things they can do to help lower their energy use and manage their monthly bills.”

They recommend that customers follow five steps in order to keep their bills low and their houses cool.

First they recommend that customers adjust their thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when the temperatures rise, and even higher while away from home. They state that each degree lower than the recommended setting can significantly increase a home’s cooling-related costs.

A smart thermostat can automatically increase the temperature to maximize savings.

Second, the use of ceiling, box or oscillating fans to help cool your home, while increasing the thermostat, can lower air conditioning costs up to 14% over the course of the season.

Leaks and tears in ductwork and dirty air filters can also affect the end of moth AC bill. It is recommended that homeowners check those areas regularly.

Blinds and drapes should be adjusted during the day to keep out the sun’s natural warmth and preserve the coolness inside the home.

Dominion recommends that homeowners caulk, seal and weather strip around all seams, cracks and openings in the home especially exterior doors and windows.