Contact: NOVEC Public Relations, 1-888-335-0500, customerservice@novec.com
NORTHERN VIRGINIA — Summer begins on June 21, but Northern Virginia is already experiencing record-setting hot days. The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative offers easy, no- and low-cost ways to stay cool:
- Set the air conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees when family members are home; run fans to feel cooler. Set it a few degrees higher if no one or pet is at home.
- Before turning on the AC, make sure all storm and regular windows are closed and locked.
- Close window shades, blinds, and drapes on the sunny sides of the home. As a quick, temporary solution, tack up insulating cloth available at fabric stores or old bed sheets.
- Delay running the dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer until late at night or early in the morning.
- Turn the electric water heater temperature from 140 degrees to 120 degrees.
- Turn off all unnecessary lights, electronic devices, and appliances.
- Cook with a microwave oven instead of the stove and oven.
- Replace or clean the AC filter monthly so it isn’t working harder.
- Install a programmable thermostat.
- Have at least 38-R insulation in the attic.
- Install an attic fan.
- Consider installing window awnings on the sunny sides of the house, if your community allows them.
- Install Low-E film on sunny-side windows to repel heat rays.
- Replace regular window-screen mesh with solar mesh on sunny-side windows.
- In the fall, plant a shade tree on the southern and western sides of the house.