Alabama’s at risk for excessive heat this week with the hottest temperatures so far this year.

According to the National Weather Service, there’s a risk for excessive heat Thursday through Saturday with afternoon temperatures forecast to be in the middle to upper 90s. Humid conditions will result in a heat index values – meaning what it feels like outside – between 105 to 115 degrees.

During the heat, people are advised to:

• Stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible.
• Never leave kids or pets unattended in a vehicle, even if just for a short period of time.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities. C
• Check up on the elderly, sick, and those without air conditioning.

Extreme heat can put pressure on your pocketbook as well, as high temp translates to extra money spent on utilities to stay cool. Alabama Power has some tips for saving money in the heat including the controversial idea of leaving your thermostat at 78 degrees.

Here’s what they recommend:

Let the light in – Leave your lights off in the mornings and evenings and open your blinds. Using natural light to illuminate your home helps reduce energy consumption just remember to close your blinds during the hottest part of the day or before you leave for work.

Keep the heat out – – Invest in thermal curtains that keep out heat and light. The most effective are those with blackout technology with at least two layers of woven fabric. Close your curtains during the hottest part of the day – noon – 4:30 p.m. – to keep the heat out.

Set it and forget it – This one might be the most controversial tip. Alabama Power recommends setting your thermostat at 78 degrees during the day and turning on your ceiling fans to stay cool. If you prefer to set your thermostat at a lower temperature, follow the 20-degree rule. For example, if it’s 94 degrees outside, set your temperature to 74 degrees. Setting the thermostat below the 20 degree benchmark can stress your unit and, ultimately, shorten its life.

Use your exhaust fan – After removing food from the oven or after cooking on the stove top, turn on the exhaust fan to remove hot air from the room. Turn it off after 15 minutes to make sure it doesn’t start removing air conditioned air. Check to make sure the grease filter is clean in the range hood so that it vents properly.

Keep the cool air coming – Your AC unit must work harder when the air filter is dirty or the vents are clogged with dust. Clean the vents, open them completely and change the air filter to make the AC unit work more efficiently.

Air it out – Small appliances – think air fryer or Instant Pot or indoor grill – cook faster, use less energy and produce less heat.

Consider the time of day – Use large appliances such as the washer and dishwasher, during the coolest parts of the day, such as the mornings or evenings.