With energy costs on the rise, this summer could be sweaty — and
expensive. But there are some easy ways to trim your cooling costs
without suffering through 90-degree evenings, sans air conditioning. In
fact, if you start preparing for the coming heat wave now, you can
probably save a few hundred dollars. You'll also be doing the
environment a favor, since the Energy Department estimates that half of a
household's overall
energy usage goes toward heating and cooling costs.
Plug up any holes
The cool air spewing out of vents should be
treated like a precious vapor that must not escape. Inexpensive plastic
film available at hardware stores can boost insulation around older
windows where drafts are most likely. Foam and caulking can also help
seal problem areas, as can extra insulation in the attic. Professionals
can help with any installation challenges.
If you use window-unit
air conditioners, make sure they fit tightly so air can't escape around
the unit. The Energy Department recommends that
window units have their own electrical circuits to reduce the risk of overloading the system. It estimates that creating a proper "
thermal boundary"
around your home can shave up to 20% off heating and cooling costs.
Shutting the doors and vents of unused rooms can also lighten the load
of your air-conditioning unit.
Close those shades
Anything that keeps the sun from coming in and creating a
greenhouse effect
will make it easier for your air-conditioning unit to maintain cooler
temperatures. For the longer term, consider planting leafy trees or
bushes to shade your home.
Keep the filters clean
It's a dirty job, but somebody's got
to do it. In fact, Geoff Godwin, division vice president of Emerson, the
country's largest provider of heating and cooling systems, says it's
important to clean out air-conditioning filters once a month, which
usually involves running water through them and letting them air-dry.
Program the thermostat
If your cat is home alone all day, he
probably won't mind if things heat up a bit before you get home.
Programmable thermostats, which allow the temperature to rise
automatically during the day when no one is home, can lead to annual
savings of 30%, Godwin estimates. Even though most systems today have
programmable thermostats, people use them only about half the time,
which means a lot of systems work harder than necessary. If trying to
set the thermostat leaves you scratching your head, the step-by-step
videos on the government's
Energy Star website can help.
Unplug, unplug, unplug
Even television sets, DVD players and
computers that are turned off can suck power out of outlets, a
phenomenon aptly referred to as "
vampire power." That's why you should either unplug your electronics or use a Smart Strip, which cuts power when it's not needed.
Step away from the oven
Here's your excuse to order takeout,
or at least rely more on prepared meals. Turning on the oven heats up
the rest of the house, too, which forces your air conditioner to go into
overdrive. If you still want to cook, consider an outdoor grill,
toaster oven or even the stovetop, which gives off less heat than the
oven.
Take cold showers
Sure, you might need to crank up the water
heater during those frigid winter months, but cooler showers in the
summertime will let you turn down the temperature setting for a few
months, which reduces energy costs. Godwin estimates that turning down
the temperature on a 50-gallon tank from 130 degrees to 115 degrees can
save more than $50 a year.
Bring in the professionals
Most experts suggest getting your
air-conditioning unit serviced once a year, to check for potential
problems such as mold, rust or grime buildup, all of which can hamper
efficiency. "A lot of people don't do that — they ignore the AC system
until something goes wrong," Godwin says. You can also give your home an
overall check with an
energy auditor, who can look for any air leaks and other inefficiencies.
Upgrade your systems
The Alliance to Save Energy suggests
replacing older light bulbs with compact fluorescents. Doing so saves
electricity directly, and fluorescents generate less heat. If you're
buying other major items, such as washers, dryers, dishwashers or
televisions, don't forget to take energy efficiency into account. The
Energy Department's Energy Star rating helps consumers navigate those
purchase decisions, so look for products with the label.
If you're
in the market for a new air conditioner, the Energy Department
recommends paying close attention to size. Some consumers mistakenly
choose bigger units, thinking they'll be more powerful, but in reality,
they can make too much noise and use excess electricity. A unit that's
the right size for the home will last longer and be more efficient, it
says.
Read more
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