As summer 2023 reaches its peak in the Northern Hemisphere, it’s proving to be the hottest on record with scorching temperatures pushing human endurance to its limits in many of the hottest locations on Earth. In fact, it hasn’t been this hot on our planet since before the last ice age!

According to experts, these conditions go beyond the body’s capacity to regulate its internal temperature, providing a glimpse of the dangers that are likely to become more common as climate change intensifies heat and humidity extremes.

These ten simple tips can save energy – and money – in your home when the thermometer rises this summer:

1. Set your air conditioner thermostat as high as comfortable –  78ºF or higher when you’re at home. Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat that turns your air conditioner down (or off) at night when it’s coolest and you are least active.
2. Keep the blinds and windows closed during the day, to keep the hot air out, and open at night, to allow cooler air in. This is a simple no-cost way to keep your home a little cooler, if your climate permits.
3. Set your water heater to 120ºF. Wash clothes in cold water and clean the lint filter in the dryer after every use.
4. Plug home electronics, such as TVs, DVD players and computers into power strips and turn off the power strips when the devices are not in use.
5. Fans use less electricity than air conditioners or central air furnaces. Use them!
6. Use energy-conserving landscaping to effectively provide shade to cool roofs, walls, and windows.
7. Minimize indoor heat by running the dryer and dishwasher at night on hot days and letting your dishes air dry.
8. Avoid heat-generating incandescent lighting by switching to LEDs and use a microwave, toaster oven or outdoor grill instead of the oven. In fact, it’s best not to use major appliances between 2 – 8 p.m.
9. A white or reflective roof can reduce the surface temperature by up to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius), depending on your climate, and prevent the sun’s heat from transferring into your home.
10. Turn off extra freezers or refrigerators that aren’t necessary, especially if located outdoors or in a garage.

And if all else fails, put your energy conservation knowledge to the test and chill out with our Power Play Quiz Game!