Keeping your home cool on a budget this summer

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- With summer approaching, so are higher electricity bills. El Paso Electric shared some tips to keeping your home cool on a budget.

EPE said to keep your thermostat at a high, steady temperature throughout the day with your windows and curtains closed.

"Some of the alternatives that we recommend when it comes to the thermostat is using the ceiling fan or space fans as well. Running your AC at a constant temperature, big spikes and the temperature change can increase the energy demand," said Michelle Lopez, a team coordinator with El Paso Electric.

It also advised doing your laundry or running your dishwasher early in the morning or late at night.

Denise, an El Paso resident, said she relies on practical strategies to beat the heat without increasing energy use.

"Just open a little bit of a window in your house," she said. "That way your air conditioner isn't going to be running and using a lot of energy."

She also uses ceiling fans and tries to take advantage of cooler parts of the day.

Those are among the recommendations from El Paso Electric as summer energy demand increases.

Michelle Lopez, a team coordinator with El Paso Electric, said residents should keep their air conditioners set at a consistent temperature rather than making large adjustments throughout the day.

"We're not saying to be uncomfortable," Lopez said. "Running your AC at a constant temperature is important. Big spikes in temperature changes can increase energy demand."

According to El Paso Electric, the average residential electric bill more than doubles during the summer months, increasing from about $82 during non-summer months to roughly $170 in the summer.

The utility also recommends running major appliances such as ovens, dishwashers and washing machines during the early morning or late evening, when outdoor temperatures are lower.

"We recommend running larger appliances, such as your oven, dishwasher and laundry, in the early morning or late evening," Lopez said.

Denise said cooking earlier in the day helps keep her home more comfortable.

"I don't feel the heat, everything is good, and the house starts smelling good," she said.

For laundry, she recommends taking advantage of the region's hot, dry climate by air-drying clothes outside.

"It's a perfect excuse to put it on the patio because it's going to dry in a few hours," she said.

Energy experts also suggest using blackout curtains to block sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures.

While lowering the thermostat significantly after returning home may seem like a quick way to cool down, El Paso Electric says the practice can increase energy use and lead to higher bills. Instead, the utility recommends maintaining a steady, comfortable temperature throughout the day.

"I wish you to have a nice summer," Denise said.