Staying Cool While Energy Efficient

Last week was so hot, people didn't even want to go swimming.

"We think people just opened their doors and hit that heat and said, 'I'm staying home," Canonsburg Borough Manager Terry Hazlett said.

But don't get him wrong: Attendance at Town Park Pool is up overall this time last year, thanks to last week's heat wave. But the night swimming was much more popular last week.

Last Wednesday's night swimming and live music combo lured in more than 275 people—and Hazlett said he thinks it's because the temperature had cooled down just enough to make people comfortable outside.

That might happen again when the temperature shoots back up into the 90s.

The National Weather Service in Moon Township on Wednesday said that temperatures will reach back into the 90s Thursday, but there is good news: Chance of storms on Friday and Saturday may cool things off.

"But when I say it might cool off, I mean it will be in the upper 80s," meteorologist Rihaan Gangat said, adding that Sunday and Monday will see 90-degree weather, too.

By next week though, the high-pressure system that has caused the heat wave will slowly move west, bringing in more comfortable weather—with temperatures hovering in the 80s.

Until then, if it gets so hot you just want to be an air conditioned gypsy, here are some tips from Duquesne Light on how to do it without your electricity bill soaring like the mercury:

Put Your Air Conditioner in the Shade

If you position your air conditioner on the north side or shady side of your home—away from the direct rays of the sun—it doesn’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool.

Give Your Air Conditioner Room To Breathe

Don’t let shrubs block the intakes on your air conditioning unit. They reduce airflow and make your air conditioner work harder. Also, keep the area around your air conditioner free from leaves and other debris that can limit air circulation.

Close The Blinds

During the day, close curtains and blinds to keep sunlight from heating up your house. At night, when it’s cooler, open windows and shut your air conditioner off.

Think About A Fan

On cooler days, a fan can cool your home quickly and efficiently. Fans use considerably less energy than air conditioners.

Turn Up That Thermostat

Most homes are still comfortable at a temperature of 78°. Every degree you raise your thermostat can cut your energy consumption up to 4 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Put In A Clean Filter

Dirty filters in your cooling system can cut efficiency. Install new filters or clean the filters regularly on central air conditioning systems and on window units.

Get A Cooling System Tune-Up

Properly functioning equipment uses less energy. Have your cooling system serviced at the beginning of each season.

A spokesman for Allegheny Power did not return a phone call seeking information for this story.