What are some tips for saving money in hot weather?

Half of your energy bills may go toward cooling and heating your home. A little attention to these systems may save you big dollars.

• Have proper attic ventilation.• Use ceiling fans as a low power way of spreading cool air throughout your home.

• Save 3-5% off your bill for every degree you increase your thermostat setting. The lower you set your thermostat, the harder it is to cool each degree…therefore you spend much more the cooler you go. This is why everyone recommends you set your thermostat to 78.

• Don’t overcool by turning your thermostat lower than normal when turning it on. You will waste money and not cool your home any faster.

• Call us to make sure your a/c system is properly sized for your house.

• Also call us to perform annual maintenance on your system to reduce operating costs and extend the life of the units.

• Save 10% by shading your air conditioning unit with trees or shrubs (but don’t block the airflow).

• Close drapes when the sun is beating down and open them during cooler hours.

• Keep electronics (lamps, etc.) away from your thermostat because the heat they generate will make your a/c run.

• If you are leaving the house for an extended time, such as vacation, turn the air off.

• During working hours, utilize a programmable thermostat to raise the temperature and lower it again before you return home.

• Select a central air unit with an efficiency of 15 SEER or higher.

• Check for duct leaks. One leak can cost you 25%!

• Change your air filter monthly and check for duct leaks. Remember, when you get your utility bill…time to change your filter.