Here are ways to stay cool while saving on energy bills

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- The heat is on as it builds through the week and peaks Thursday. That means it’s going to be a difficult and potentially expensive week for San Diegans trying to stay cool.

“Hot temperatures all the way to the coast. We are talking about a period from Wednesday through Saturday. Very warm nights, conditions during the day where the heat will be dangerous,” said Alex Tardy from National Weather Service.

San Diego Gas & Electric says they are expecting most San Diegans with AC will be running cool air through their house. SGD&E is warning power bills will be spiking.

“The most expensive time to use electricity is from about four o'clock to nine o'clock at night,” said Anthony Wagner from SDG&E.

SDG&E says the best way to save money in a heat wave is to cool the house with AC at around 2 p.m. and then keep the temperature consistent at 78 degrees.

Experts say then it’s about avoiding unnecessary power use. Skip using the washer, dryer, dish washer between the hours of 4- 9p.m. and also pull the plugs out of the wall to avoid vampire power costs.

“You could go into your home today and see five things that are plugged that don’t need to be plugged in right now, especially during times of high heat,” Wagner said.

The National Weather Service says this will be the hottest week of the year.

“This is the type of heat wave that you need to slow down, pay attention to how hot it is where you are. The temperatures can vary 20 degrees from the beach to the I-15,” Tardy said.

“For those customers that are struggling to pay their energy bill, we want to hear from you,” Wagner said.