O&R Posts Heat Watch for Friday, Saturday

For the second consecutive day, Orange & Rockland Utilities issued a two-day Summer Heat Watch Friday morning.  

The heat and humidity expected to push the load on the O&R electric system past 1,300 megawatts, which places the utility on Heat Watch status. O&R is predicting 1,34 megawatts Friday and 1,396 Saturday. The record high of 1,617 was set Aug. 2, 2006.

The National Weather Service is predicting a high temperature of 92 degrees Friday, with the heat going up to 98 degrees Saturday. 

During a Heat Watch advisory, O&R's field crews focus primarily on emergency work, with normal work being performed as system conditions permit. The advisory also means that distribution system engineers closely monitor the loads on distribution circuits, transformer banks and other key system components to detect any heat-related issues so any concerns are addressed quickly.

O&R also urges the public to take steps to most efficiently use electricity, including turning down or turning off air conditioning in empty homes while away or at work. When using a room air conditioner, close doors to keep the cool air in and the hot air out. With central air conditioning, block the vents in unused or vacant rooms.

Install a timer or clock thermostat on the air conditioner and program it to operate and shut-off at pre-determined hours. That saves it from running it all day and enables a cool house at the end of the day.

Tips to help weather the heat during these steamy days:

• Set the thermostat of the central air conditioner at 78 degrees F or higher to achieve maximum savings on your cooling costs. Setting the room temperature on the air conditioner at 75 degrees costs about 15 percent more. A 72-degree setting costs about 30 percent more than the 78-degree setting.
• Plan cooking, baking or other household activities that produce heat and humidity for the cooler times of the day and night.
• Use a portable or ceiling fan to circulate the pre-cooled air in your air conditioned home. A fan uses about 90 percent less energy than an air conditioner.
• In very humid weather, adjust the air conditioner's fan to a low setting. It'll take longer for the air conditioner to cool the home, but the unit will bring in steamy air at a slower rate and it will feel more comfortable.
• As the sun moves from east to west during the day, pull curtains and shades on windows to block out the heat.

Next to the cooling system, the refrigerator is one of the largest energy-using appliances in the typical home.

• Maintain a constant temperature in the refrigerator of between 36 and 38 degrees for maximum effectiveness. The freezer should be kept at 15 degrees.
• Cover liquid items. They give off humidity that forces the refrigerator to use more energy.
• Place the most used items in one place so that the door will be open for a shorter period of time.
• If there are problems with electric service, call O&R at 1-877-434-4100.