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- A dirty air filter makes your cooling system work harder and use more energy. Replace the filter every few months or use a washable one, which can last up to five years.
- Offsetting solar heat gain can account for one-third of the burden on your air conditioner. Close the drapes on the sunny side of your home while you are there, or close all window coverings if you are leaving for the day.
- Turn air conditioners to the highest comfortable setting. For many people, that’s 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit when home and 80 degrees while away. Adjusting your thermostat up a few degrees will have a significant impact. A change from 73 degrees to 76 degrees for 24 hours a day could save 30 percent on your cooling costs.
- Seal air leaks with caulking and weather stripping. And keep the door closed as much as you can to keep the cool air inside.
- Set ceiling fans to operate in a counterclockwise direction. This makes you feel cooler. Turn off fans when you leave the room. Turn off kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans when done. In just one hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of cooled air.
- Try to do most of your cooking in the microwave or on top of the range instead of in the oven. Microwave ovens use up to 70 percent less energy than a conventional oven.
- Lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit when baking with glass or ceramic dishes. Glass holds the heat better and doesn’t need as much.
- As much as 80 percent of the energy your dishwasher uses goes to heat water. Try turning off the pre-rinse option and rinse dishes before loading. Run the dishwasher when it's full and during off-peak times.
- Install a low-flow showerhead, which typically uses 15 gallons of water during a 10-minute shower compared to a bath, which can use up to 25 gallons.
- Turn off incandescent lights when they are not needed; 90 percent of the energy they use is given off as heat.
- Take advantage of daylight instead of artificial lighting, but avoid direct sunlight.
- Vacuum the heating and air conditioning air registers regularly to remove dust. Ensure that furniture and other objects don’t block the airflow.
- Avoid placing lamps or TV sets near your room air-conditioning thermostat. The thermostat senses heat from appliances, which can cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.
- Reduce activities that generate heat, such as running a computer, burning open flames, running a dishwasher, curling irons or hair dryers. Even stereos and televisions will add some heat.
- If you live in a climate where it cools off at night, turn off your cooling system and open your windows while sleeping. When you wake in the morning, shut the windows and blinds to capture the cool air.