Keep It Cool During the Summer

Summer is on its way, and with it, hot weather and higher energy costs. Here are some ways to help you stay cool this summer without having to max out your air conditioning bill.
 
·   Install, and operate your air conditioner wisely. Installing an air conditioner in a shady spot could increase its efficiency up to 10 percent. Don't set the air conditioner to a max cool setting immediately when you turn it on. It won't cool the room any faster, but it will use more energy. On humid days, set the fan speed on low to remove more moisture from the air.
 
·   Postpone your use of appliances until early morning or late evening. Your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to offset the heat produced by the appliances. Besides, running appliances during off-peak hours reduces the stress on the power grid, helping to prevent brownouts, and you can also pay less for the electricity if your utility charges less per kilowatt-hour during nonpeak hours.
 
·   Maintain your air conditioner. Dirty, clogged filters increase an air conditioner's energy use.  Clean the filter on window and central air conditioners monthly or as needed by vacuuming and washing. Some filters need to be replaced. Clear debris from outside louvers and coils.  Outside, keep plants and shrubs at least 2 feet from the condenser.

·   Change your light bulbs. Much of the energy used by incandescent bulbs is emitted as heat. During the day, turn off lights that are unnecessary. Also consider replacing your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights, which use about 75 percent less energy and give off 75 percent less heat to produce the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs.
 
·   Make some shade. Use awnings, shades, and blinds to keep out sunlight, especially in west-facing windows in the afternoon. Install them on windows, skylights, and doors that get a lot of sun.
 
·   "Summer-ize" your home. Add insulation and seal air leaks to help keep the inside of your home cooler in the summer and more comfortable year-round.