Summer Cooling Tips

I received this e-mail from Beverly Polynaik with Old Republic Home Warranty and thought it was worth passing on.

Summer’s here, and energy costs are rising! Here is some timely information to help you keep your cool and save money on your energy bills this summer.
Cooling Tips
· Whole–house fans help cool your home by pulling cool air through the house and exhausting warm air through the attic. They are effective when operated at night and when the outside air is cooler than the inside.
· Set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be.
· Don’t set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and, therefore, unnecessary expense.
· Consider using an interior fan in conjunction with your window air conditioner to spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use.
· Don’t place lamps or a TV set near your air–conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from these appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
· Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units without blocking the airflow. Place your room air conditioner on the north side of the house. A unit operating in the shade uses as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.
· Keep in mind that increasing insulation and sealing air leaks will help your energy performance in the summertime by keeping the cool air inside.
$$ Long-Term Savings Tips:
· If your air conditioner is old, consider purchasing a new, energy–efficient model. You could save up to 50% on your utility bill for cooling. Look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels.
· Consider installing a whole house fan or evaporative cooler if appropriate for your climate.Tips courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. For more information, please visit EERE: Energy Savers Home Page.