Chesapeake In The Know

This summer has not spared us as far as the heat goes. If you’re lucky enough to have air conditioning, you’re likely bracing for a few high energy bills. There are some things you can do to keep your energy usage in check.

• Resist the urge to crank the thermometer down into the 60s. The number one way to conserve energy is to not make your AC work so hard. The EPA recommends keeping it at 78 degrees.
• Close the blinds. Sunlight shining through windows can account for up to 40% of unwanted heat gain.
• Turn the ceiling fans off when you leave the room. They’re only useful when you’re feeling their breeze – they don’t cool off rooms.
• Add weather strip to your doors and windows, particularly if you have an older home. Heat will find its way in through any crack and crevice. This will also be useful for the winter when it’s cold.

If you do not have air conditioning or if it can’t quite keep up on some of the hotter days, know that you can visit any branch of the Chesapeake Public Library or any Chesapeake Community Center during normal operating hours to cool off.

Stay cool everyone!