Cooling Tips

Buy energy efficient air conditioners: If you are thinking about purchasing a new central air conditioning system or room air conditioner, look for energy efficient models. These save energy and therefore your money.

Walk away from the thermostat: Your house won't cool down any faster if you lower the thermostat setting. When your air conditioner is on it cools at the same rate regardless of the temperature setting.

Block the sun: Plant shade trees to block the heat from the sun. As the trees grow, they can dramatically cut your cooling bills. Close the Curtains. Close drapes and shades on windows during the day to keep heat from the sun out of your house. Raise the Thermostat. The breeze created by a ceiling fan or portable fan typically makes you feel just as comfortable at a temperature 3° C warmer. Raising the thermostat 3° C can save 10% on your cooling bill.

Don't let the air escape: Seal any gaps along the sides of your room air conditioners with foam insulation. Your air conditioner needs to work much harder if the cool air is escaping.

Resist opening and closing doors: Shut the door or at least try to minimize the number of times that doors to the outside are opened and closed. Each time you open the door heat enters the house.

Maintain and upgrade your equipment: No matter what kind of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system you have in your house, you can save money and increase your comfort by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment. By combining proper equipment maintenance and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air sealing, and thermostat settings, you can cut your energy use for heating and cooling.

Repair and weather strip air leaks in the home: About 10-25% of energy used to cool and heat homes escapes through air leaks.