Is the summer heat getting you down? We've compiled a list of helpful tips to keep your house cool this summer and reduce your energy costs.
Air Conditioning
- Set the thermostat for your air conditioner at the highest comfortable setting. When leaving home for more than five hours, raise the thermostat five to 10 degrees. Raising the temperature just a couple degrees can cut your cooling costs by as much as five percent!
- Whether you use window air conditioners or a central cooling system, regular maintenance is important to efficient operation. Check filters at least once a month. Dirty filters cause air conditioners to work harder and use more energy. Many filters can be removed, washed and dried, and reinstalled. Check your owner's manual or contact the manufacturer.
- Keep air conditioning units free of obstructions, indoors and out, so that air can flow freely. Outdoor units should be free of bushes, and leaf and grass debris. Indoors, move furniture and draperies to prevent blocking window units, vents and air returns.
- If you use window air conditioning units, position them on the shaded side of the house and away from direct sunlight. Window units are generally not designed to cool more than one room. Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home for more efficient cooling.
- If you have central air conditioning, leave room doors and air registers open so the system can operate most effectively.
- If you have central air conditioning, our Interruptible Air Conditioning Program could save you up to 20% off your basic service rate. By allowing us to briefly cycle your service by remote control on very hot days or when there is a high demand for electricity, you save over the basic residential rate. Learn more abut this money-saving option.
Fans
- Use fans to draw cooler air inside during the night and circulate air during the day.
- If you use ceiling fans, blades should rotate counter-clockwise in the summer months to create a 'wind-chill' effect that will make you feel cooler.
- Prevent heat build-up in your attic by opening attic vents and making sure any lower (soffit) vents are not blocked. A cooler attic benefits the living area right beneath it. An exhaust fan or whole-house fan mounted in the attic will pull hot air out of the attic and living areas and draw cooler air in.
- A window fan in an apartment or one-story home should be put in a window on the warmest side of the structure; in a two story home, put it in an upstairs window. Make sure draperies are secured for better air circulation and safety.
