Monthly Energy Saving Tip: Summer

Posted: 2009-06-15 11:43:00

• INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT. Make sure it is programmed to automatically turn down the heating or cooling when you are not home and when you're sleeping.

TO KEEP COOK WITHOUT AIR CONDITIONING:

• USE FANS. At night they help rid the house of the heat from the daytime sun.

• CLOSE SHADES AND WINDOWS DURING THE DAY. At night open windows opposite one another for cross-ventilation.

• COVER YOUR WATERBED. It may use as much electricity as your refrigerator. To save more than 30% of that cost, make the bed routinely and cover it with a comforter.

• USE CEILING FANS. They make people feel about four-degrees cooler than the actual temperature.

KEEPING COOL WITH AIR CONDITIONING

• SET THERMOSTAT AT 78 degrees Fahrenheit OR HIGHER IF YOU USE CEILING FANS. You save 3-5% on your air conditioning cost for each degree you raise a thermostat.
• CLEAN FILTERS. Check furnace and air filters monthly or as recommended by the manufacturer. Clean or replace them as needed.
• USE THE "AUTO FAN" SETTING.
• BUY AN ENERGY STAR AIR CONDITIONER.