HEAT: It’s nearly July, and it sure feels like it!

The weather forecast for today calls for a high of 87. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission issued some tips for staying cool and healthy, and avoiding high utility bills when the temperature is rising.

“There are quick and easy ways to increase comfort while managing energy usage during hot weather,” noted PUC Chairman Gladys Brown Dutrieuille. “Simple things like using fans, adjusting thermostats by a few degrees, drawing your blinds and delaying the use of heat-generating appliances can go a long way toward helping you stay cool without dramatically increasing summer utility bills.”

Increase summer comfort while keeping energy costs low:

Fan Yourself – Fans circulate the air, keeping you feeling cooler, even at higher temperatures.

Follow the Shade – Relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight.

Block the Heat – Use window blinds and coverings at the sunniest time of day to reduce unwanted heat buildup.

Don’t Add Extra Heat – Postpone using heat-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers, dishwashers and stoves until it is cooler.

Cookout, Anyone? – Consider cooking with outdoor barbecue grills or microwaves, rather than stoves or ovens, which add indoor heat.

Circulating air with a fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler, without needing to lower your thermostat.

Conserving energy is important, too. Check your thermostat, the smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperature, the lower the overall cooling bill.

Clean and replace air conditioner filters regularly, and make sure air circulation paths are clear. Turn off non-essential appliances and lights, and close off unused rooms.