LIPA Offers Heat Conservation Tips

The weather this week, according to the National Weather Service, will be hot – but clear – until Wednesday, when possible thunderstorms are reported. Long Island Power Authority has amped up their Storm Center website to provide additional tips and services for the heat-related weather conditions. 

The Storm Center website, including reporting an outage and viewing how many lost power in a particular area. They reported Monday morning that only one Commack resident lost power, but if you do have power and know of others, you can report it online or call 631-755-6900. 

These tips are heat storm safety tips, limited to heat conservation. They also have terms to know and lighting storm safety. Additionally here is a list of weather emergency numbers to print out and have on-hand during a storm.

• Eliminate non-essential electric consumption;
• Put air conditioners on timers when home;
• Set air conditioners at 78 degrees;
• Use fans to circulate cool air;
• Set refrigerators/freezers at most efficient temperatures
• Run major appliances such as clothes and dishwashers in the morning or late evening to avoid the peak demand hours of 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. .

High temperatures and high electric demand could cause some scattered heat-related outages. Conserving electricity will help reduce the potential for outages.

• Install window air conditioners snugly. Insulate spaces around air conditioners for a tighter fit. An air conditioner with a tight fit around the windows or wall openings will make less noise and allow less hot air in from the outside.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated. This will help you to conserve electricity and reduce your home's power demands for air conditioning. Weather-strip doors and windowsills to keep cool air inside, allowing the inside temperature to stay cooler longer.
• During a drought, conserve water by placing a brick, or another large solid object, in your toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used in flushing.
• Consider keeping storm windows installed throughout the year. Storm windows can keep the heat out of a house in the summer the same way they keep the cold out in the winter.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation. Insulation around ducts prevents cool air from leaking and keeps it directed through the vents.
• Protect windows. Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80 percent.
• Use attic fans. If you have a fan installed to vent warm air out of your attic, use the fan to help keep your home cool.