Cool Your Summer Bills

Did you know that each degree that you raise the thermostat typically saves 2% on your cooling bill? Energy experts recommend setting your thermostat at 78º or higher. So before you reach for the thermostat, here are some other ways to help keep your summer cooling bills down:

• 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 won’t cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
• The breeze created by a ceiling fan or portable fan may make you feel just as comfortable at a temperature 6º warmer. Raising the thermostat 6º may save 10% on your cooling bill.
• Closing air conditioning vents in unoccupied rooms may save up to 10% on your cooling costs.
• Consider using a dehumidifier instead of turning on the air conditioning. You will be comfortable at much higher temperatures if you reduce the humidity.
• Close drapes and shades on windows during the day to keep heat from the sun out of your house. In the evening opening drapes and shades lets heat escape through the closed windows.
• It is recommended that you place your air conditioning unit on the north or east side of your home where it is shaded from intense sunlight. If not possible, plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units but not to block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade may use as much as 10% less electricity than the same one operating in the sun.
• Plant a tree. It’s the best cooling investment you can make.
• Use floor or ceiling fans to help circulate air throughout the house.
• Install a whole-house fan. It can lower the indoor temperature by 10º in just a few minutes.
• Make sure your attic is properly ventilated, especially if you have good insulation. A combination of ridge and soffit or gable vents may help reduce cooling costs by 10%.
• Shade south and west facing windows with blinds or drapes during the hottest parts of the day.
• Turn off lights you aren’t using.
• Wait to use heat-producing appliances like ovens, dishwashers and clothes dryers until late evening.

Actual savings amounts will vary according to efficiency of central air conditioner, number of days of operation and usage patterns.