Summer - Seasonal Information

City of Dallas Watering Restrictions:   Water only before 10:00 am and after 6:00 pm. This restriction applies from June to October. For more information: http://www.dallascityhall.com/pdf/dwu/June06Ordinance_bi.pdf

How to save on your utility bills: Our suggestions for an energy efficient lifestyle:

• Light only the area where you are working, not the whole room.
• Turn off lights and appliances when they are not being utilized.
• Close vents in rooms that are not being used on a regular basis and close the door.
• Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
• Choose stove burner to fit the size of the pan you are using.
• Leave window shades that receive direct sunlight down during the day.
• Try to use the oven, dishwasher and other appliances that produce heat during the late evening and early morning. .
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
• Keep fireplace chimney dampers closed.
• Thermostat. Keep the thermostat setting at 78 F or higher in the summer, or the highest setting you find reasonable. Every degree you can raise the temperature will save you 5% on cooling costs. You can increase the temperature settings while the home is unoccupied. If you are regularly gone during the day, it is advisable to set temps 2 or 3 degrees higher during these unoccupied times.
• Air Distribution System. Remember to check the furnace filter and replace it regularly during the cooling season. Make sure all the supply and return registers for the furnace are unobstructed by furniture, etc. Use floor, ceiling, or pedestal fans to move your conditioned air around. You can close off a room that is not used to reduce costs, but don't shut off more than 15% of the home's area or the air conditioner will not work as efficiently. 
• Reducing Interior Loads. When using the air conditioner, and especially on hot days, turn off all unnecessary appliances and excess lighting. Don't place lamps, televisions, computers, or aquariums near the thermostat as heat from these appliances may warm it up and cause the a/c to run longer than necessary. Prevent the sun from warming up the interior. By keeping drapes, blinds, or shades closed during the day. Use the bathroom exhaust fan to remove excess humidity after showering and hang wet towels and bathing suits etc. outside to dry. An a/c can use as much as 50% of its energy just wringing the moisture out of the air. Dry air is easier to cool than humid air

Summer Power Outages from Utility Companies -  WHAT YOU CAN DO:

1. Reduce the need for power consumption. Turn off light, etc that are not necessary to help reduce the city's overall consumption during this heat wave.
2. The utility company increased rates several months ago so be aware your electric bill will be higher. You can keep fans on, leave T-stat higher when you aren't home, close blinds when direct sunlight hits your
window, close all doors and windows, etc. to keep your house cool. Just being conscious of conservation will help reduce your bill a notable amount.
3. For Reagan Addresses Only:  Make sure you're hot water is working after a power outage. There are electrical shut off valves that reset when there is power
interruption. It should have no problems but I just wanted you to be
aware.