by Kim Park

Created on: January 27, 2010   Last Updated: May 24, 2012

TIPS TO SAVE ENERGY THIS SUMMER:

Summer can be long, hot and humid. The desire to use the air conditioner can be overwhelming and with the kids home from school the energy bill can sky rocket. Use these easy tips to help keep that energy bill under control and stay cool this summer.

AIR CONDITIONING

- Only use the air conditioning as a last resort. First try getting some air moving through the house. Try opening up some windows to create a cross-breeze, but of course this zero energy option only works if the air outside is not stale and still. If it is too humid or still outside to open the windows instead try using a fan. Whether it’s a ceiling fan or oscillating fan, either will get the air moving and that feeling of a breeze going by feels so good and will cool you right down.

- If you need to use your air conditioner don’t crank it right up so that your house turns into an igloo. The goal of your air conditioner is to make you more comfortable and get you out of the sweltering heat, not to make your home so cold you are putting extra layers on. If you ever find yourself wanting to change from shorts to pants because of your air conditioner, it’s too cold!

- When using the air conditioner make sure you are only cooling areas you are using. If you have a room you don’t use: close the vents, seal the door and don’t worry about cooling it. Why waste the energy if you’re never there?

- Are you thinking of buying a new air conditioner? Make sure that you are choosing an energy efficient model. I know, they’re more expensive, but if you do your research you may find that you are able to get a rebate for buying that energy efficient model. Either way, the money you’ll be saving by using less energy will get the up front cost back in no time!

- Maintenance is important to make sure your air conditioner is running as smoothly as possible. Most models require the air filter to be cleaned regularly and keeping vents clean and clear is also important.

- Do you have a basement? Do you notice how it always stays cool, even in the summer? Well, why not make the basement your hangout during the summer and you can chill down there without having to turn the air conditioner on.

- If you have a basement and it stays cooler (as mentioned above) another thing to try is to turn on your furnace fan and use it to move the cooler basement air throughout your house. Although this uses energy it also takes advantage of the free cool

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>