HOT: It’s getting hot out there.

We love the summer weather, but cooling off your house can use a lot of energy.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission suggested a few ways to stay cool while using less energy:

• Turn off non-essential appliances and as many lights as possible.

• Postpone using appliances that produce heat, such as clothes dryers, dishwashers and stoves until after 7 p.m. These appliances also use significant amounts of electricity adding to the demand on an electric infrastructure that is already stressed during peak hours due to heat.

• Use ceiling fans to circulate the air, keeping rooms and you cooler.

• Relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.

• If you have window air conditioning units, close off rooms not in use.

• Make sure all air conditioner filters are clean and in good shape.

• Replace filters monthly for maximum benefit and check air and return vents on a regular basis to keep circulation air paths clear.

• On hot and humid days, set your thermostat at 78 degrees when you are home and 85 degrees or off when you are away for long periods.

This week, the area is being hit double, as the warm temperatures will be joined by a walloping helping of mugginess.

According to the National Weather Service in State College, today’s temperature will reach up to 84 degrees, and it showers are likely this afternoon — and thunderstorms are possible.

In fact, daytime temperatures are expected to get into the high 70s, low 80s at least through the weekend, and there is a chance of rain every day.

In fact, regional transmission organization PJM has issued a “Hot Weather Alert” for today, which warns utilities and generation operators that there could be stress on the power grid, according to the PUC. Regional transmission organizations control a multi-state electric grid.