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What is pre-cooling your home?

7/06/2026

Keep your energy bill down and conserve energy this summer by “pre-cooling” your home before the afternoon heat hits its peak. Pre-cool your home by setting your thermostat to 70 degrees, preferably before 4 p.m., when energy rates and demand are lower. After 4 p.m. set the temperature in your home to 78 degrees if health permits.

Make it even easier on yourself by using a smart or programmable thermostat. Set and control the temperature directly from your phone and increase energy savings, even when you're not there. You can also manage costs by ensuring your air conditioner is running efficiently through regular maintenance that includes cleaning the air filter or replacing it every few months.

Along with raising the temperature on your thermostat, use ceiling and upright fans which push cooler, air-conditioned air to where you are.

Pre-cooling your home before noon in the summer will help your AC work more efficiently and save on energy costs when the heat is on.

Flex Alerts

An interconnected grid means that natural disasters and extreme weather events can impact all of us. Under certain conditions we may even call a “Flex Alert,” which asks everyone to take simple steps to conserve energy using methods like those described above. To stay informed about Flex Alerts and grid events, sign up for text and email alerts.


Sign Up for Flex Alerts

What to Do When a Flex Alert is Called

During a Flex Alert, consumers can reduce stress on the power grid by shifting energy use to the morning and early afternoon hours.

On the morning of a Flex Alert, consumers should:

  • Pre-cool your home early in the day to reduce air conditioning use in the afternoon peak
  • Close blinds and drapes to keep the sun from heating up the home
  • Refrain from using dishwashers, washing machines and other major appliances
  • Set pool pumps to run early in the morning
  • Charge mobile devices and laptops early in the day
  • Pre-cook meals or choose meals that don’t require energy to prepare (think salads, appetizers, sandwiches, etc)