Keep the Time in Mind When Using Electricity This Summer

Summer is here, and that means OEC's on-peak rates are in effect Monday through Friday, 3-7 p.m. until Aug. 31 (excluding July 4).

Visit www.okcoop.org/rates for detailed rate information.

While electricity costs more to produce during those hot afternoons, you can actually save money during the summer by making a few minor adjustments to your household's energy use routine.

WAYS TO SAVE

• Postpone the use of major appliances — like dishwashers, kitchen appliances and clothes dryers — until after 7 p.m.

• Invest in a programmable thermostat and pre-cool your home.

• Make sure your water heater is set to the lowest point (around 120º), and consider installing a water heater wrap to help seal in the heat.

• West-facing windows attract extra heat during the summer. Cover them with curtains or drapes containing thermal linings or barriers.

• Closing blinds during the day will help keep the summer heat out of your home.

• Use ceiling fans only when you're in the room. They will cause the air to feel cooler, but if no one is in the room to feel it, it is wasted electricity.

• Replace or clean air filters. It only takes a minute and savings could add up.

• Entertainment center electronics consume power even when they're turned off. Plug them into a power strip and turn it off during the day.