Summer weather is on the way and if last year is any indication, we may be seeing another round of record breaking temperatures. You can keep your cool while keeping your energy costs down by trying a few of these energy saving tips.
If you don’t already have one, install a programmable thermostat. These save energy by automatically switching to a higher, energy saving setting when you and your family are away from home or asleep.
Make sure that your thermostat is installed in a location that is not affected by heat from direct sun exposure, a lamp, electronics, or the kitchen stove. Your thermostat will think that the temperature in your home is higher than it really is and it will cause the air conditioner to work harder and waste energy.
If you have windows that get direct sunlight, keep the blinds or drapes closed during the day to reduce the warming effect of the sun’s rays. Direct sunlight can raise the temperature in a room by several degrees.
Remember to switch your ceiling fans to normal rotation. In the winter, ceiling fans should be run in reverse to move warm air lower in the room but in the summer, ceiling fans should run in the normal direction. The moving air can make the temperature seem several degrees lower than it is.
Change your furnace filter regularly and schedule your air conditioning service by an experienced HVAC technician before the cooling season starts. Keeping the system serviced will help it operate efficiently. It will reduce your energy costs and extend the life of your system.
