DETROIT, June 14, 2022 – As extreme temperatures sweep across lower Michigan, DTE Energy wants to help its electric customers save money on their energy bills during this period of excessive heat.
“It can be a challenge to keep your home comfortable while managing your electric use on especially hot days,” Trevor Lauer, president of DTE Electric, a subsidiary of DTE Energy, said. “We know Michigan summers can be tough on energy bills but there are some changes customers can make at home on the hottest days to stay cool while saving.”
DTE offers these tips to help customers save money on their energy bills and stay cool during hot weather periods:
- Use a microwave or outdoor grill to cook instead of your oven, which adds extra heat into your home especially in the afternoon when outdoor temperatures hit their peak. If you do have to cook in the kitchen, turn on your exhaust fan to move the hot air outside.
- Let your dishes air dry in the dishwasher instead of using the heated drying feature, which can leak heat into your kitchen, raising indoor temperatures and humidity levels.
- Postpone doing laundry, washing your dishes or running the dishwasher until the evening when outdoor temperatures have cooled down a bit.
- Take quicker showers at a cooler temperature than normal. Steaming hot showers fill up your bathroom with hot humid air which can cause your air conditioner to work harder to cool the room back down.
- Use shading devices – blinds, curtains, window film and solar screens – on west and south-facing windows to block heat caused by sunlight in the summer.
- Check heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) filters monthly, especially during the summer. A dirty filter will slow down air flow and make the system worker harder to keep you cool, wasting energy.
- DTE gives cash back rebates on air conditioner replacements and diagnostic tune ups. Click here to learn more.
- Download the free DTE Insight app to help track your energy usage this summer and take steps to reduce energy use and save on your energy bill.
As temperatures rise to potentially record-setting levels, staying safe and looking out for friends, family and neighbors is vital. Help protect yourself and others with these tips:
- Wear loose, lightweight, light colored clothing
- Don’t leave people or pets in your car
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
- Avoid high energy activity or outdoor work during midday heat, if possible
- Check on family, seniors and neighbors
- Know the signs of heat sickness and watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Extreme heat can be costly and dangerous, but being proactive can help save money and keep your loved ones safe.