Taking the Heat Off of Summer Cooling Costs

Most new home buyers rank energy efficiency as one of their most imperative considerations. Here is a checklist to help keep your cooling costs down this summer!

• Keep your cooling system in good working order with periodic check-up and maintenance.
  
• Make sure any ducts are properly sealed and insulated. Especially ones passing through an attic or crawlspace.
  
• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher if you can.
  
• Set the air-conditioner fan speed to high except on very humid days. When it´s humid, set the fan speed to low to remove more moisture from the air, even though less air is moved through the house at any given time.
  
• Clean or replace filters once a month.
  
• Do not place appliances which create large amounts of heat near your thermostat because it can sense the heat and will output too much cold air.
  
• Install ceiling-mounted fans to keep air moving in the home which will make the skin feel cooler.
  
• Keep out daytime sunlight to help keep the home cool.
  
• Keep lights off or low to avoid creating any extra heat.
  
• Avoid using heat creating appliances during the midday.
  
• Dress in lightweight open-weave fabrics.
  
• Let trees shade your roof, walls and windows. Broad-Leafed trees on the south side of your house will filter hot summer sun but allow light through in the winter.