(Journal stock photo)

MARQUETTE — The current heat wave is expected to continue and, as the temperatures stay high, so does energy usage. In order to conserve electricity, the Michigan Agency for Energy urges residents to be practical about cooling their homes.

“There are many practical ways to cut your energy usage while also staying cool in the summer months,” said Anne Armstrong Cusack, executive director of MAE. “If everyone does just a little bit, it will make a big difference in demand for power.”

According to MAE’s summer energy appraisal, electricity usage is expected to rise 1.5 percent compared to last year as a whole with residential energy usage increasing 2.7 percent. Following are some key tips on staying cool while keeping costs as low as possible. Doing so will not only alleviate national energy usage, but will save considerable money as 56 percent of energy use in the home is from heating and cooling, according to MAE.

≤Turn off unneeded lights. These both consume energy and add heat.

≤Close the blinds. Excessive sunlight can warm the house.

≤Unplug electronics. Many modern electronics, like gaming devices, computers and televisions, will consume energy even if they appear to be turned off.

≤Cook outside. If possible, using a grill or otherwise cooking outside means that the heat produced does not stay in the home.

≤Use a ceiling fan. Fans in general will cool a house for cheaper than a central cooling unit.

≤Seal air leaks. While insulation is most effective at keeping heat inside during cold months, it is also effective at keeping heat outside in warm months.

≤Increase the thermostat temperature to 78 degrees.

What’s most important during hot days is to stay safe. Children, the elderly and pets should be monitored during hot days for signs of heat exhaustion. Complications from heat exposure is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities, at over 600 deaths annually, more than tornados, hurricanes or flooding, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of heat exhaustion are cool, moist skin with goose bumps in the heat, dizziness, fatigue, low blood pressure, nausea and headaches. If someone suffering heat exhaustion is not cooled and brought out of the heat, they may progress to heat stroke, which can be fatal. Notably, if the sweating has stopped but the subject is still hot, they may be experiencing heat stroke. To treat heat exhaustion, hydrate, apply water to the skin, shed layers of clothing and seek a cool environment. If experiencing heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately.

To avoid heat-related complications, it is recommended to hydrate while avoiding caffeine and alcohol and to wear light, airy clothing. Seeking shade and limiting physical exertion will also help.

For people in need of financial assistance, funds are available for heating and cooling expenses as well as home insulation. For more information, visit www.michigan .gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_5531-15420–,00.html.

Jeff Maki can be contacted at 906-228-2500, ext. 254.