How to stay cool and keep your electric bill under control during Springfield heat warning
While last week felt like a brief reprieve from oppressive summer heat, the high temperatures have returned with a vengeance.
With an excessive heat warning in place through Thursday, here are some tips for staying cool and keeping your energy bills from soaring along with the temperature.
Keeping your energy bill low when the heat is high
According to City Utilities, Monday saw the highest energy use for 2023 so far, and with the excessive heat warning, it looks like energy use is going to surpass 2022's peak.
“CU’s employees are working continuously to provide reliable service to our customers and are ready to respond should unexpected circumstances arise,” said Gary Gibson, president and CEO of City Utilities, in a press release. “We want to make sure our customers are aware of ways they can manage their electric usage and their bills and understand the role they can play in helping to manage system impacts.”
To conserve energy — and money — here are CU's recommendations:
Use a smart thermostat to adjust the setting at night and when no one is home. Keep your home warmer than normal when you are away.
Change or clean the air filters at least twice from March to October. On the outside unit, make sure there are no leaves, dust, grass clippings or other debris in the fins and coils.
Close drapes and shades during the day to keep out the heat from the sun — especially on the south and west sides.
Turn ceiling fans counterclockwise to push cool air down. Most ceiling fans have a switch on the motor housing that will allow you to change the fan's direction.
Place a draft stopper at an exterior door, add weather stripping inside door frames or attach a door seal to keep cold air inside your residence.
Cook with small appliances. Ovens release heat that makes it harder to keep your home cool. Try cooking with appliances that use less energy, such as microwaves, crockpots, or an air fryer.
Replace heat producing incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs.
Check to make sure your fireplace damper is tightly closed.
To report a power outage, customers should call 1-888-863-9001 or online through their CU account.
Keeping yourself and others safe
According to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, area hospitals have reported 95 cases of heat-related illnesses so far in 2023.
When the National Weather Service issues heat advisories, some air-conditioned buildings serve as cooling centers, like the lobbies of these buildings:
Jordan Valley Ice Park, 635 E. Trafficway St., noon to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Chesterfield Family Center, 2511 W. Republic Road, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Dan Kinney Family Center, 2701 S. Blackman Road, 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Doling Family Center, 310 E. Talmage St., 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
The Salvation Army Springfield, 1707 W. Chestnut from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
People can protect against heat-related illness by drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous work or exercise during the hottest part of the day, wear lightweight clothing that is light colored and fits loosely, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and never leave any people or animals in a closed, parked car.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting. If someone is showing these symptoms, they should move to a cool spot, rest and drink water. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last more than an hour.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield heat index is soaring. How to keep your energy bill lower
