(WKTV) - As temperatures continue to rise, National Grid reminds customers that it is possible to keep cool without turning up the heat on your energy budget.   Customers can take action right away by using the following tips to beat the heat while conserving electricity:

• Draw blinds, shades, or drapes to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day, especially on south-and west-facing windows.
• Cool things down by reducing the amount of heat generated in your home.  Turn off lights when they are not needed, and avoid cooking, bathing or washing clothes during the hottest hours of the day.   
• Electric fans use very little electricity -- costing approximately $9 to $11 per month for continuous use -- and can provide relief from the heat.  In the morning and evening, window fans are especially useful in moving cooler air from outdoors into a home.
• Use the fan setting on your room air conditioner at night when the air outside is cooler, or open a window and leave the air conditioner off.  Keep windows closed whenever the air conditioner is on.
• The lower you set your temperature on your air conditioner, the more it will cost. For example, a 75 degree setting will cost about 18 percent more than a 78 degree setting. Set the thermostat on your air conditioner as high as comfort will permit. Use programmable thermostats to optimize air conditioning systems.

• Check your air conditioner’s filter, and replace or clean it if clogged.
• Tighten your home’s “thermal envelope.”  If you have air conditioning, you can save electricity by sealing everything that separates the inside of your home from the outside.  Check the caulking around windows and weather-stripping around doors.  Storm doors and storm windows actually can help keep cool air in your home so your air conditioner doesn’t have to work as hard.
• According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, one of the most cost-effective energy conservation measures, for both cooling and heating, is to add extra ceiling or attic insulation.  Increase its depth to a full 12 inches.

For more information on energy efficiency, including rebate details and forms for installing high efficiency central air conditioning and additional energy efficiency measures (available in some geographic areas), customers can visit National Grid’s website at www.thinksmartthinkgreen.com.
National Grid is an international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S., serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns over 4,000 megawatts of contracted electricity generation that provides power to over one million LIPA customers.