Energy Saving Tips

Energy Star

Here are some really basic energy saving tips and simple maintenance tips that will help save you money:Following basic energy saving tips for your air conditioning system is important since it is one of the largest power consuming devices in your home. In fact, it can cost you up to half of your electric bill! Ensuring your air conditioner is running at peak efficiency is key.

Keep filters clean
Keep indoor and outdoor coils clean
Have your system tuned up
Get a programmable thermostat (if you don’t have one)
Keep your home at 82 degrees when you’re not home
Have your air ducts checked and sealed if leaking
Make sure there is adequate insulation in your attic
Ensure windows and doors are sealed tight
Keep drapes or blinds closed
Purchase a new high SEER (efficient) air conditioning system

Keep the following in mind while operating your air conditioning system:

When operating in the cooling cycle, your air conditioner will run until the indoor temperature is lowered to the level you have selected.
On extremely hot days, your air conditioner will run for longer periods at a time and have shorter “off” periods than on moderate days.
The average recommended setting while you are at home is 78 degrees for cooling, and 68 degrees for heating. Adverse affects on the cost of running your air conditioning system:

There are many conditions that add extra heat and/or humidity to your home and, therefore, affect the cost of operating your air conditioning. Your unit will work longer and cost more to keep you comfortable under these conditions:

Entrance doors are frequently opened and closed
Laundry appliances are being operated
The shower is running
More than the usual number of people are present in the home
More than the usual number of electric lights are in use
Drapes or blinds are kept open on the sunny side of the house

There are many ways to cut costs and help your unit run more efficiently. For example, ceiling fans don’t actually cool the room. Ceiling fans circulate air and can make you feel comfortable at higher thermostat settings. Ceiling fans use about as much electricity as a light bulb. However, make sure you turn fans off in unoccupied rooms.

Using just a bit of common sense and allowing your body to adjust to slightly higher temperatures in your home (like 78 degrees instead of 74 degrees!) can save you a lot of money on your electric bills.