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Tips to save money on energy as temperatures climb

Jamie Forzato | jforzato@wtop.com

July 22, 2016, 4:54 AM

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Montgomery County Fire Spokesman Pete Piringer says the three main causes of fires from air conditioning units are "overuse of the equipment, it's not properly maintained, and poor electrical wiring." (Getty Images/adrian825)
As temperatures soar, your electricity bill doesn’t have to. The harder the air conditioning unit works to keep you cool, the more energy it uses. You can save money by conserving as much energy as possible during the hottest part of the day. If you can stand it, Chuck Penn with Dominion Virginia Power suggests turning your thermostat up to 78 degrees and cleaning your filters to make your air conditioning unit more efficient. (Getty Images/adrian825)
Getty Images/adrian825
Chuck Penn with Dominion Virginia Power suggests washing clothes or dishes early in the morning or late at night. “When you do them during the heat of the day, you are causing the temperature of your home to go up,” he said. (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Beat the heat by using ceiling fans and keeping the window blinds or shades closed. “Sunny windows can add heat into your home and they can make your air conditioner work two to three times harder than it normally would,” Penn said. (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
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Pepco energy company reminds customers during the summer that it is important not to have lamps, televisions or other heat sources close to the air conditioner thermostat as heat from these sources may cause the air conditioner unit to run longer than it should.  (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Energy company Pepco urges customers to make sure that no furniture or other obstacles are blocking ducts or fans. This will enable cooled air to circulate freely, making your home more comfortable. (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
The best way to weather this storm and keep your food safe is to plan ahead before you lose power. (Thinkstock)
Potomac Edison energy company says to never put a second refrigerator in the garage. In the summer months, the temperature in the garage can easily exceed 100 degrees and the refrigerator has to work extra hard to keep food cold. If you need a second unit, put it in your basement. (Getty Images/iStockphoto/fuzzbones0)
Getty Images/iStockphoto/fuzzbones0
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Montgomery County Fire Spokesman Pete Piringer says the three main causes of fires from air conditioning units are "overuse of the equipment, it's not properly maintained, and poor electrical wiring." (Getty Images/adrian825)
air640.jpg
The best way to weather this storm and keep your food safe is to plan ahead before you lose power. (Thinkstock)

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