Heat wave tips and resources

Cooling centers

Cooling centers are open around the Sacramento area during heat waves, offering places for our community to beat the extreme summer heat.

SacRT is providing free rides on fixed-route bus and light rail to and from activated cooling centers located throughout the Sacramento region. To ride free, let the driver know which cooling center you are going to.

2-1-1 Sacramento keeps an updated list of cooling centers. You can find cooling centers near you by using their ZIP Code search feature.

Find cooling centers near you

Suggestions to help you stay comfortable while conserving energy.

Staying cool

• To help conserve power during heat waves, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. You'll save around 5-10% on cooling costs for every two degrees you raise the temperature.
• Decreasing your air condition (AC) use is the most effective way to save energy. Most people can raise the temperature 3-4 degrees and still stay comfortable by closing shades and using fans. Remember to turn fans off when you leave the room.
• Sunlight passing through windows heats your home and makes your AC work harder. You can block this heat by closing your window blinds or drapes.
• If you have one or more window air conditioners, consider turning them off between 5 PM-8 PM in the rooms you're not using. Or turn them all off and use fans to stay cool, but remember to stay hydrated. 

If your home cools easily and can maintain a consistent temperature, try precooling your home:

• Turn on the air conditioning in the morning.
• Raise your thermostat setting to 78 degrees (or turn it off) during the peak hours of 5 PM - 8 PM.
• Enjoy the cool air you have stored up.

Recommended temperature settings

Cooking

• Avoid heating up your kitchen by preparing cold meals or putting your grill to work. Or use your oven or stove earlier in the day or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Use small appliances to cook. Microwaves, toaster ovens and pressure cookers use about 66% less energy than a conventional oven.

Around the house

• Appliances typically account for 13% of your total energy use. Try to avoid using multiple appliances like your dishwasher, air conditioner and washer and dryer at the same time between 5 - 8 PM during the week, when rates are highest. 
• You can't unplug some big electricity users, like your fridge. But did you know you can save nearly as much by unplugging your DVR and game consoles? Advanced power strips can also help save energy on devices not in use. Shop now and get instant rebates at SMUD Energy Store.
• Put off running the dishwasher or doing laundry until after 8 PM.
• Use your oven, stove, dishwasher, dryer, washing machine and other heat-producing appliances early in the morning or later in the evening, when temperatures are cooler.

Get more savings tips

Sacramento County Public Health reminds us to take steps to stay safe and healthy during a heat wave.

Tips to beat the heat

• Stay hydrated – Drink plenty of water.
• Limit sun exposure – When possible, stay in air conditioning, take cool showers or wipe a cold wet cloth on your head and neck.
• Check on loved ones – Help take care of older friends, family and neighbors, especially if they are less mobile, live alone or don’t have air conditioning.
• Wear lightweight clothing – Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing is cooler and more comfortable in hot temperatures.
• Avoid being outside – Try to be outside only in the cooler morning and evening hours. Avoid exercise or being outside during the hottest part of the day.
• Be aware of hot cars – Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, even for a short time. The temperature can reach 100 degrees in the car in less than 10 minutes on an 80 degree day.
• Keep pets safe – Remember to give your pets plenty of water. Make sure they have shade outdoors or keep them inside where it's cool. Avoid exercising your pet in high temperatures or walking them on hot pavement.
• Wear sunscreen – Protect your skin by using SPF 30 or higher.