CHICAGO, Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- In anticipation of the high temperatures this weekend throughout its northern Illinois service territory, ComEd has increased its weekend staffing to closely monitor and respond to any heat-related issues.

This will include more than 70 frontline crews; however, with the offices of many business customers closed over the weekend, ComEd does not expect to set any peak load records.

As always, ComEd will remain in contact with area public officials should any potential problems arise. If customers experience an outage or have any questions about their ComEd service, they are urged to call 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661).

During this period of hot weather, ComEd recommends customers consider the following tips to lower their bills and remain comfortable in their homes:

• Keep thermostats at a constant, comfortable level (75 to 78 degrees) when at home. Lowering the thermostat setting below the desired temperature will not cool the home faster.
• To reduce heat and moisture during the warmest part of the day, run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or evening hours when it's generally cooler outside. Also, use a microwave to cook, or barbecue outside, if possible.
• Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows. Simply drawing blinds and curtains, which act as a layer of insulation, can reduce heat gain to your home. Awnings are even better, and can reduce heat gain by up to 75 percent. Window coatings and window film can reflect as much as 80 percent of direct rays from the sun.
• Turn off all unnecessary lighting, appliances and electronic devices, which can add heat to the home and wastes electricity.
• Keep doors to the outside, garage or attic firmly closed to keep cool air in and hot air out.
• Use fans to evenly distribute cool air and reduce the air conditioner's "on" time.
• Place window air conditioners on the north or shady side of the house to avoid overworking the unit in the hot daytime sun.
  

For more energy-saving ideas, visit www.ComEd.com or call ComEd at 1-800-EDISON-1 (1-800-334-7661).

Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), one of the nation's largest electric utilities with approximately 5.4 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.8 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state's population.

SOURCE ComEd

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