Lowdown on the Cooldown

Fact

Heating and cooling costs the average homeowner about $1,000 a year — nearly half the home’s total energy bill, according to ENERGY STAR. By choosing the right kind of air conditioner and taking steps to optimize the performance of your cooling equipment, you can save on bills and conserve energy. Look for products that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating, which means they have met strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. EPA and the Department of Energy.

Get Started

• Seal air leaks throughout your home to keep the cool air inside. Leaks are best sealed with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping.
• Regularly remove leaves, dirt and other debris from around the outdoor components of your cooling system.
• Check the air filter of your air conditioning unit once a month, and replace the filter as necessary. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to early failure.

Become a Pro

• When buying new air conditioning equipment, support green businesses that try to provide their customers with a variety of choices for eco-friendly products. Also, remember that is is important to get quality installation. Make sure you get an experienced contractor who can do the job right.
• Installing insulation in your home will help keep the cool air inside during the hot months. Because installing can be quite the project, initiate a neighborhood effort where everyone helps each other install.
• Don’t keep the house cooler than necessary. Meet together as a family and agree on the minimum amount of air conditioning you all need to be comfortable, and stick to it!