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Raise thermostat settings to 82 degrees or higher. For every degree warmer than your usual setting, you’ll save 2 to 3 percent on the air conditioning portion of your electric bill.
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Do moisture-producing chores in the early morning or at night when it’s cooler. This includes washing clothes or dishes, mopping floors, watering indoor plants, etc.
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Check the temperature of your refrigerator and freezer. The refrigerator should be between 38 and 42 degrees; the freezer 0 to 5 degrees. Ten degrees colder than necessary can increase energy consumption up to 25 percent.
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Turn off extra lights and all other major appliances that you absolutely do not need. Use timers to control security lighting.
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Because peak usage in metro Phoenix usually occurs between 4 and 6 p.m., reduce power usage particularly during this time.
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Avoid operation of pool pumps during afternoon hours.
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Avoid use of appliances such as clothes dryers, washers and dishwashers during afternoon hours.
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Cover windows with awnings, sunscreens or reflective film to keep out the heat.
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Keep your heat pump or air conditioner’s filter clean. Check it once a month.
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Use cold water for laundry wash and rinse cycles when possible.
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Caulk your home’s doors and windows.
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Weather strip doors to unheated/uncooled areas of your home such as the garage, crawl space and attic.
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If your home has a fireplace, close the damper tightly when the fireplace is not in use.
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Use fans to circulate air and make you feel cooler at a higher thermostat setting.
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Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees. · Run full dishwasher loads and use the "air dry" setting or turn the dishwasher off after the final rinse.
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Use only cold water in your food waste disposal and to rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
Sources: APS, SRP