Energy Savings Tips

Cooling

Air conditioning does more than cool the air. It truly "conditions" it by removing dust and dirt and lowering humidity. However, these benefits can be costly. Air conditioning can account for anywhere from 5 - 50% of your summer bills.

Cool Ideas for Saving Energy

Set the thermostat at 78° or higher - a reasonably comfortable and energy efficient indoor temperature. A 78° setting will save you about 15 percent or more on cooling costs over a 72° setting.
Don't set the thermostat at a colder than normal setting. It will not cool the house any faster, but, as with the furnace, will simply overshoot the desired temperature and waste energy.
Clean or replace filters at least once a month.
Turn off the air conditioner when you are going to be gone for several hours and draw the shades to keep heat out. It takes less energy to re-cool the house when you return than it does to keep it cool while you are gone.
Avoid positioning heat-producing appliances, such as televisions or lamps, near the thermostat. The heat they produce "fools" the thermostat and causes the unit to run longer than necessary.
Room air conditioners should fit snugly to window frames. Close heat ducts in the room and remove or seal up the unit with plastic after the cooling season.
Have your central air conditioning unit checked and tuned when you have your furnace serviced.
Periodically clean and vacuum the grills, coils and cooling fins on the outside unit and keep them clear of leaves and other obstructions.

Create Your Own Micro-Climate

Trees and vines can create a cool microclimate that reduces the temperature by as much as 9 degrees. During photosynthesis, large amounts of water vapor escape through the leaves, cooling the passing air.
Vines are a quick way to provide shading and cooling. Grown on trellises, vines can shade the whole side of a house. Set trellises away from your house to allow air to circulate and to keep the vines from attaching to your house's facade and damaging its exterior. Placing vegetation too close to your house can actually trap heat and make the air around your house even warmer.
Plant deciduous trees; they provide shade in the summer, then lose their leaves and allow sunlight to warm your house in the winter. The taller varieties of trees will shade your roof as well as your walls.
Remember to Plant the Right Tree in the Right Place.

This page last updated 2012-02-06.