Six Ways Stay Cooler, Save On A/C Costs
Six Ways Stay Cooler, Save On A/C Costs
HARTFORD â A few days of 90-degree-plus weather have already baked state residents with hot weather and higher energy costs. But the state Department of Consumer Protection wants to help by offering some tips to help people stay cool this summer without having to max out the air conditioning bill.
*Install, and operate your air conditioner wisely. Installing an air conditioner in a shady spot could increase its efficiency up to ten percent. Do not set the air conditioner to a max cool setting immediately when you turn it on; it will not cool the room any faster, but it will use more energy. On humid days, set the fan speed on low to remove more moisture from the air.
*Postpone your use of appliances until early morning or late evening. Your air conditioner will not have to work as hard to offset the heat produced by the appliances. Besides, running appliances during off-peak hours reduces the stress on the power grid, helping to prevent brownouts, and you can also pay less for the electricity if your utility charges less per kilowatt-hour during nonpeak hours.
*Maintain your air conditioner. Dirty, clogged filters increase an air conditionerâs energy use. Clean the filter on window and central air conditioners monthly or as needed by vacuuming and washing. Some filters need to be replaced. Clear debris from outside louvers and coils. Outside, keep plants and shrubs at least two feet from the condenser.
*Change your light bulbs. Much of the energy used by incandescent bulbs is emitted as heat. During the day, turn off lights that are unnecessary. Also consider replacing your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights, which use about 75 percent less energy and give off 75 percent less heat to produce the same amount of light as incandescent bulbs.
*Make some shade. Use awnings, shades, and blinds to keep out sunlight, especially in west-facing windows in the afternoon. Install them on windows, skylights, and doors that get a lot of sun.
*âSummerizeâ your home. Add insulation and seal air leaks to help keep the inside of your home cooler in the summer and more comfortable year-round.
To learn more, visit ct.gov/dcp.