Evergy offers tips to save money, energy, during summer heat

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WIBW) – Evergy provided tips to save energy and money from the warmest temperatures of the summer.

Evergy provided the following tips:

• Adjust your thermostats – Setting your manual thermostat 3-5 degrees warmer than you normally would can improve efficiency while still keeping your home comfortable. 
• Windows – Up to 25 percent of your home’s energy goes out the window. Add curtains, shades, or blinds. Keep them closed during the hottest part of the day – especially for south- or west-facing windows. 
• Exterior Doors – Keep cool air from heading out the door.  
  • Add weatherstripping inside door frames. 
  • Attach a door seal to the bottom of the door. 
  • Place a draft stopper to block gaps at the threshold. 
• Shift energy usage Use larger appliances and electronics outside of peak demand times of 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Not only is this the time of peak demand on the grid, but it’s also when your air conditioner is likely working its hardest. Large appliances and electronics introduce additional heat into your home. Customers can also shift to a time-based rate plan that offers savings outside of those peak hours. 
• Pre-cool your home during off-peak hours with a smart thermostat. 
• Install weather stripping Updated weather stripping prevents warm air from entering, and cool air from escaping.  
• Change your AC filter Changing your air conditioner’s air filter helps your AC unit run more efficiently, putting less strain on it. 
• Cook with small appliances Ovens release heat that makes it harder to keep your home cool. When it’s hot, try cooking with appliances that use less energy, like your microwave or air fryer. 
• Turn ceiling fans counterclockwise to push cool air down. Just remember to turn them off when you leave the room. Fans cool people, not rooms. 
• Wash clothes in cold water Shifting from using hot water to using cold water will save you around 50 cents per load. 
• Lower your water heater temperature Lowering your setting to 120 degrees from 140 degrees could reduce your water heating energy bill by more than 10 percent. 

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