SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Sacramento continues to experience above-average heat this summer, with temperatures expected to top 100 degrees on multiple days. Power reliability is a core value and SMUD has enough power resources to meet expected demand, barring a grid or other emergency such as wildfire or unexpected significant power shortfall.

While SMUD customers enjoy some of the lowest utility rates and bills in California, air conditioning is one of the largest energy consumers in the home and can drive up bills during these hot summer months. SMUD is helping residents prepare to stay comfortable in their homes while staying within their budget, with energy- and money-saving tips.

It’s easy to keep energy use in check without giving up cooling comfort. One of the easiest ways to save is to pay attention to when you use energy. Energy rates are cheapest during off-peak hours before 5 p.m. and after 8 p.m. That means customers can save by minimizing energy use during weekdays between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Another easy step is to prevent your home from heating up, which can reduce immediate cooling costs and help save on long-term costs from wear and tear on cooling equipment.

SMUD has more energy-saving solutions on its website and offers additional tips to save.

Use fans and close blinds on windows that get direct sun.

Swap out light bulbs for LEDs.

Change your air filter and clean your HVAC unit.

Use a programmable/smart thermostat to help control HVAC use.

Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. For every 2 degrees that you turn up your thermostat, you can save 5-10 percent on cooling costs.

Avoid using multiple large appliances at the same time, especially during peak hours.

On hot days, BBQ outside or use small cooking appliances like crock pots and microwaves to help keep your house cool.

Pre-cool your home before 5 p.m.

Get customized tips, manage bills and set up alerts at smud.org.

Take control of energy usage and see how much it costs to operate household appliances at different times of day with SMUD’s Daily Cost Estimator tool at smud.org/CostEstimator.

Additional tips and resources are available at smud.org/Heatwave.