With temperatures expected to be in the 90s for the next few days, the Minnesota Department of Commerce is advising state residents to stay safe and conserve energy.

In a press release, Commissioner Mike Rothman said Minnesotans want to make sure they are doing all they can to keep their homes safe and cool with high humidity and temperatures that may reach or exceed 100 degrees,

“Minnesotans can also take some basic steps to conserve energy and save money on cooling costs so the heat doesn’t bust their budgets,” he said.

Tips Rothman gave include:

Make sure your air conditioner is running efficiently by keeping coils clean and free of dust, dirt and debris to increase the efficiency and life of the air conditioner. Rothman advised replacing filters regularly.

Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher. He said this is a reasonably comfortable and energy-efficient indoor temperature that can save 15 percent or more on cooling costs, compared to a 72-degree setting.

Keep cool air inside by closing curtains and blinds and pulling shades during the daytime when temperatures are the highest.

Use fans to create a wind chill effect to feel cooler and reduce the need for air conditioning, and turn the fan off when not in the room.

Avoid using the oven to keep the house from feeling warmer and requiring more from the air conditioning unit.

Conserve power by turning off lights, televisions, entertainment systems and computers to conserve energy and prevent increased heat in the home.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Freeborn County until 7 p.m. Friday. Lows are expected to be in the mid 70s. Dew points are expected to be from mid-70s to lower 80s, and heat indices are expected to range from 105 to 115 degrees to form a heightened risk of heat illnesses.

The National Weather Service advised drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned rooms, staying out of the sun and checking on relatives and neighbors.

Albert Lea resident Dwight Stevens said the heat does not bother him as much as cold weather does, noting he plans to have his air conditioning unit on during the hot weather.

He said he plans to take his grandchildren swimming tonight and Friday night, noting he thinks on warm days it is still comfortable to be outside at night.

Kenny Van Riper — who lives southeast of Albert Lea — said the warm weather is good for the crops, noting he would rather have the heat than cold temperatures. He said he plans to use his air conditioning unit at night so he can sleep comfortably.

According to Rothman, Minnesota law prohibits a utility from disconnecting a residential customer’s electricity because of unpaid bills when the county is included in an excessive heat watch, heat advisory or excessive heat warning issued by the National Weather Service.