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Air Quality

Energy Saving & Cooling

Keeping it cool!

According to the EPA, the average home spends almost 20% of its utility bill on cooling.

Increased energy production to run cooling systems not only raises costs, it also can contribute to pollution that adversely affects the quality of the air we breathe.

Switch to more efficient light bulbs. Energy Star qualified lighting not only uses less energy, but also produces approximately 75 percent less heat than incandescent lighting, so cooling bills will be reduced, too.
Adjust the thermostat settings for peak efficiency. Install a programmable thermostat and set it to complement your family’s summer schedule. Set it a few degrees higher (such as 78 degrees) when no one is home, so your cooling system isn’t cooling an empty house.
Use ceiling fans to enhance your cooling system. If you raise your thermostat by only two degrees and run your ceiling fan, you can lower cooling costs by up to 14 percent. Remember that ceiling fans cool you, not the room, so turn off the fan when you leave the room.
Maximize shade. Pull the curtains and shades closed before you leave your home to keep the sun’s rays from overheating the interior of your home. If possible, move container trees and plants in front of sun-exposed windows to serve as shade.
Reduce oven time. Use a microwave instead of an oven to cook whenever possible. Ovens take longer to cook food and can make your house warmer.
Check air conditioner filters. Check your cooling system’s air filter every month and change it if the filter looks dirty. A good rule is to change the AC filter at least every three months.
Minimize duct system leaks. Seal duct work using mastic sealant or metal tape, and insulate all the ducts that you can access (such as those in attics, crawlspaces, unfinished basements and garages). Also, ensure that connections at vents and registers are well-sealed where they meet floors, walls and ceilings --the most common locations to find leaks and disconnected ductwork.