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                                     electric service to our members, now and into the future!

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Beat the heat this summer

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  1. Energy Solutions
  2. Beat the heat this summer
Beat the peak

 

Prepare Your Home To Beat The Heat This Summer

Stay Cool While Spending Less

Summer months can bring some of the highest energy costs of the year with the high demand for air conditioning. Keeping your home comfortable can be expensive, but it can also be dangerous. If your air conditioner runs too often, it can stress your home’s electric system and create a risk for shock or fire.

To help your home be more energy efficient, Safe Electricity has the following tips for energy efficiency this summer:

  • Update your insulation. This will keep cool air in your home and hot air out. You can add more insulation on top of existing insulation in your attic. Research the type of insulation you should use.
  • Ventilate the attic. When the outside temperature is in the 90s, your attic can easily reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Adequately sized vents or an attic fan can help keep hot air from building up.
  • Get the air conditioner ready. Shut off power to the unit before cleaning it. On the inside, wash or vacuum cleanable filters, and replace disposable ones. Outside, clear leaves and other debris away from the condensing unit. Hose off any accumulated dirt. It is a good idea to call a professional to inspect your unit early in the summer.
  • Use a smart or programmable thermostat. Leave it on a higher temperature while you’re away, and set it to cool the house half an hour before you return home.
  • Install awnings over windows exposed to direct sunlight.
  • Consider installing ceiling fans. On moderately warm days, a ceiling fan may be enough to keep you comfortable. On warmer days, you can decrease your air conditioner use by using a fan.

Even in summer, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to stay within your budget. Here are a few easily achieved cost saving tips:

  • Turn off the air conditioner and open windows and doors and let outside air cool your house on moderate days.
  • Avoid unnecessary trips in and out of the house. Heat and humidity come in each time you open the door.
  • Keep the sun out of your house. Close blinds, shades or draperies during the hottest part of the day. Consider planting fast-growing trees and shrubs near your home, but away from power lines, to provide shade.
  • Set heat-producing devices away from the air conditioner thermostat. Heat from the lamp could cause the thermostat to read higher temperature and keep the air conditioner running more than necessary.

If you are shopping for a new air conditioning unit, look for one with the blue Energy Star label. An Energy Star air conditioner will save money in the long run by using less electricity.

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Contact Info

Clay-Union Electric
P.O. Box 317
31321 SD Hwy. 19
Vermillion, SD 57069

605-624-2673 or 1-800-696-2832

Office Hours: M-F 7:30-4:00
 

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to provide safe, reliable and
affordable electric service to our members,
now and into the future!

Safe Electricity

Safe Electricity

Board and Employee Login

©2025 Clay-Union Electric. All Rights Reserved..

  • Home
  • Your Account
    • Capital Credits
    • Start Service
    • Pay Online/My Account
    • Billing FAQ
      • Billing Cycle and Due Date
      • Budget Billing
      • Payment Options
      • Rates
      • SD Energy Assistance
    • Yard/Street Light Repair
  • About Us/History
    • Nondiscrimination Statement
    • Our History
    • Board Directors and Service Area
    • By-Laws
    • Privacy Policy
  • Member Programs
    • Rebates and Incentives
      • Heat Pump Rebates
      • Irrigation Rebates
      • Marathon Water Heaters
      • Replacement Appliance Rebates
    • Load Control
    • REC Program
    • REED Fund
  • News and Community
    • Basin Bus Tour
    • Clay County Fair/Member Appreciation Day
    • Cooperative "Sparks" Newsletter
    • Energy Solutions
      • Beat the heat this summer
      • Generation Mix
      • Home Safe Home
    • Treated Wood Consumer Information
    • Youth Programs
      • Basin Youth Excursion
      • Scholarship Opportunities
      • Touchstone Energy Scholar of the Week
      • Washington DC Youth Tour
  • Employment Opportunities
    • Other Cooperative Employment Opportunities
  • Safety
    • 811 Call Before You Dig
    • Back-to-school preparation includes life-saving driving tips
    • Farm Safety
    • Grain Bin Clearance
    • Space Heater Safety
    • Tree Planting
    • Winter Power Line Safety
  • Contact Us