During the summer season when heat waves are common, energy usage can obviously escalate quickly. Air conditioners, lighting and appliances, water heating and refrigeration use the most energy. PG&E offers some tips for consumers that could save money as well as energy:

During the summer season, set the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher when at home, for a 10-20 percent savings in cooling costs. When away from home during the summer, set the air conditioner at 85 degrees, for a 5-12 percent savings in cooling costs. A programmable thermostat can help control the temperature.

Before leaving the house, make sure all the drapes or blinds are closed to help keep things cool during the day. While at home make sure to turn off any lights not in use.

Try to keep from using major appliances such as ovens, dishwashers, and clothes washers and dryers until after 7 p.m. Conserve energy by running the dishwasher only when it is fully loaded and turn off the dry cycle to let dishes air-dry instead.

Information provided in this column is presented by the Realtor members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors at www.silvar.org. Send questions on any topic to jnewton@jnpr.com.