Here in San Antonio, we’re pretty used to hot weather. Temperatures around 100 degrees are nothing new to us. But when you start talking about highs of 108, 109 and even 110, those are dangerous high temperatures, especially to families living without air conditioning.
Fortunately the forecasted highs for this weekend have dropped a bit from those initial 109 and 110 projections. But still, 104 and 105 should be taken seriously. If you know of someone living without AC or someone who just needs to cool off, the city will have 37 cooling stations available around the city. Most are near public transportation routes.
The other big concern this weekend is the threat of rolling brownouts and blackouts. With everyone at home and temperatures as high as they’re expected to be, you can bet air conditioners will be cranked to full capacity. So I wanted to talk about the best advice on where to set your thermostat this weekend.
Most new, efficient air conditioning systems are calculated to keep your home about 20 degrees cooler inside than it is outside. So when it’s 105 outside, you can do the math. This weekend, it’s really important to set your thermostat no lower than 78-80. That way there’s a chance the air conditioner may occasionally shut off. In fact, CPS Energy is asking customers to set their thermostats a little higher if possible.
“We are asking our customers to consider setting their thermostats up to 82 or 84,” said Albert Cantu with CPS Energy. “Even those customers that typically keep it much cooler in their homes can contribute by raising their thermostats two to four degrees higher than their normal setting.”
This weekend, more than most, use ceiling fans to help your AC keep you cool. Close your drapes to keep sunshine and heat out of the home. Try to limit use of your over and clothes dryer.
