Sierra Pacific Power Company
Contact: Robert Sagan/Karl Walquist
Phone: (775)834-4345

For Immediate Release

Save money and be cool at home

By using some rather common, everyday ideas we can make our homes cooler and more comfortable in the summer while cutting energy costs. Here are some handy tips that cost nothing or next to nothing to implement: * Avoid using the air conditioner unnecessarily. A fan uses far less electricity.

* Create breezes through the house by opening 25 percent more windows on the hot side on the house than on the cool side.

* To cool the entire house, place a fan blowing out in a window on the hot side. The fan will pull warm inside air out of the house and draw in cooler outside air from open windows on the cool side.

* Close window coverings on the sunny side of the house to keep out heat from the sun.

* Avoid causing unnecessary heat and humidity indoors. Schedule chores such as baking, clothes drying, ironing and dish washing in the early morning or late evening hours. Avoid extra humidity by hanging wet clothes outside. Cook summer meals on top of the range, not in the oven. Better yet, cook outdoors on a grill.

* Take cool showers or baths to reduce body temperatures and help avoid heat stress. Water absorbs body heat better than air.

* Avoid heavy meals and drink plenty of cool liquids. Water or non-alcoholic beverages are best. Avoid stimulants such as coffee or tea.

* Wear light, loose-fitting clothes made of fabrics that"breathe." Cotton is cooler than synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester.

These and other handy tips are found in a free booklet available from Sierra Pacific Power Co. titled"More Comfort/Less Energy." It provides an easy-to-read guide to energy savings and year-round comfort. Copies are available for the asking at any of the company's offices.