(WXYZ) — DTE Energy offered suggestions to customers on how to save on energy bills during the next several days of high temperatures in Michigan.
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"Weather is one of the biggest factors impacting energy bills," said Angie Pizzuti, vice president of customer service for DTE, in a release. "As temperatures rise past 90 degrees this week, we're reaching out to our customers with easy ways to avoid both the heat and large energy bills."
DTE is alerting customers to share these tips:
- Run a ceiling fan to create a cool breeze. Use a ceiling fan while turning up the thermostat just two degrees to save as much as 14 percent on cooling costs. Since fans cool people and not the room, it's important to turn the fan off when leaving to save even more.
- Close blinds and curtains on south- and west-facing windows. This easy step blocks out summer sunlight, making rooms cooler. Create shade by positioning potted trees and plants in front of windows to lower indoor temperatures further.
- Remove anything that's blocking registers. Make sure that rugs, drapes, furniture or other items are not blocking the air flow from cooling registers.
- Avoid activities that add heat and humidity to your home during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid using the oven when possible. Postpone laundry and dishwashing until night when the outside air is cooler. Let dishes air dry in the dishwasher rather than using the drying feature. Air-dry clothes instead of using a laundry dryer.
- Purchase ENERGY STAR® room air conditioners. A room air conditioner with the ENERGY STAR label uses about 9 percent less energy and costs less than $75 a year to run, on average.
- Download the DTE Insight app to monitor usage. The free Insight app shows how and when you're using energy so you can manage energy use and save.
DTE also says to check on loved ones and neighbors, particularly seniors and those without air conditioning, during periods of extreme heat.
