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DENVER –
As Coloradans prepare for the Fourth of July
holiday, Energy Outreach Colorado encourages taking extra precautions to
stay safe and look out for neighbors as temperatures start to sizzle.
“Several days of hot summer temperatures are challenging for most of us,
but they can be dangerous for seniors, families with children and people
with special needs who may not have the resources to cool their home or
the ability to escape the heat by going to an air-conditioned shopping
mall or a swimming pool,” said Skip Arnold, executive director for
Energy Outreach, a statewide non-profit agency that raises money for
low-income energy assistance and weatherization programs.
“We urge everyone to think about the folks in their neighborhoods and
communities who may be isolated and suffering through summer heat
spells, and make sure they are getting the help they need to stay
healthy and comfortable,” he added.
In particular, lower-income households that need help paying their home
energy bills can apply for assistance from Energy Outreach Colorado by
calling toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or going to
www.EnergyOutreach.org.
For immediate relief, Energy Outreach Colorado offers these simple home
cooling tips:
• Keep windows and window coverings shut during the day, then open them
at night to let in cooling breezes.
• Avoid running fans in open windows when temperatures outside are
hotter than inside; this actually increases the inside temperature.
• If you use a window air conditioner, make sure it is the correct size
for the area, the filter is clean, and the fresh air vent is closed. If
possible, install it in a north-facing window and keep out of direct
sunlight.
• Dishwashers and washing machines generate heat when they’re operating,
so run them only in the evening once temperatures have cooled. Turn off
the heated drying option on your dishwasher and use cold water when
doing laundry.
• Incandescent light bulbs release about 90 percent of the energy they
use in the form of heat. Replace them with energy-efficient compact
fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) to reduce heat and save money.
• Set your refrigerator thermostat to between 37 and 40 degrees and the
freezer between 0 and 5 degrees. Even 10-degrees cooler can increase
energy usage by as much as 25 percent.
Energy Outreach Colorado is the only statewide source for energy
assistance during the summer months and distributes funding through a
network of more than 100 assistance organizations including Salvation
Army, Catholic Charities and Seniors, Inc. This year, Energy Outreach
plans to distribute more than $9 million in energy assistance funding
through Sept. 30.
About Energy Outreach Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit
organization in the state that raises money to help limited income
Coloradans afford home energy. Since 1989, EOC has distributed more than
$120 million to fund energy bill payment assistance and energy
efficiency upgrades for affordable housing and nonprofit facilities.
Energy Outreach Colorado relies on private donations, corporate
contributions and foundation grants. It has received top ratings from
Charity Navigator for eight consecutive years and is an accredited
charity member of the Better Business Bureau. Energy Outreach Colorado,
www.EnergyOutreach.org, can
be reached at 303-825-8750 or at 225 E. 16th Ave. Ste. 200, Denver, CO
80203-1612.
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