The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Southern California through Friday, September 11th. Glendale Water & Power is encouraging all customers to conserve as much energy as possible this week without jeopardizing their health or the health of their pets.The most effective way to reduce power usage is to set air conditioning thermostats no lower than 78 degrees when home and to 80 degrees when leaving the house, and also by putting off using appliances until after 6:00 p.m.
Reducing energy use can help customers save costs and prevent outages that can occur if power system equipment heats up and becomes overloaded. GWP crews are on alert and prepared to respond to heat related outages if they do occur. Extreme heat not only leads to more people operating their air conditioners all at once but also causes other appliances to work harder in order to perform, which increases the strain on power equipment.
Following is a list of simple and highly effective conservation measures:
- Limit appliance use during peak hours of the day
- Use a ceiling fan instead of the AC whenever possible
- Close all curtains and blinds to keep out direct sunlight
- Make sure all HVAC vents are clean and filters have been replaced
- Turn off lights to rooms that are not in use
- Use fluorescent light bulbs wherever possible since they don’t give off heat
- Check weather stripping on doors and windows so cool air doesn’t escape
- Air dry dishes
- Keep refrigerators full, a full fridge uses less energy
- Unplug “energy vampires” – cell phone chargers, DVD players, microwave ovens and other appliances that use energy even when turned off or in sleep mode. Especially those appliances with digital clocks.
Residents can also cool off at the following Cooling Stations in Glendale:
Adult Recreation Center
201 E. Colorado (818) 548-3775 Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sparr Heights Community Center
1613 Glencoe Way (818) 548-2188 Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
For more energy and water conservation tips, visit www.GlendaleWaterAndPower.com