- Keep your house cool with natural ventilation instead of air conditioning as much as possible, especially during spring and autumn months.
- Keep your thermostat set at 78 degrees when you are at home this summer.
- Turn your thermostat up to 85 degrees when you’re not at home to enjoy your air conditioning. Or better yet, turn it off altogether.
- A programmable thermostat can be set to automatically turn on your air conditioning 45 minutes before you get home.
- If you have a window air conditioner, you can automatically turn it on and off with a low-cost appliance timer.
- Close the blinds or curtains on the south and west sides of your house to keep out scorching afternoon heat.
- Changing your air conditioner’s air filter once a month can save up to 5% on your monthly electric bill. And it keeps your house cleaner!
- Caulking around windows and doors will keep the heat out and the cool air in.
- Using a ceiling fan can make a room feel nearly 4 degrees cooler. Whole house fans also do a good job of moving air throughout the house.
- Remove any shrubs or plants that interfere with air movement around your air conditioner, and always keep it in good repair.
Click here for a printable list of these tips and more!
