Tips for Saving Money While Staying Cool

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. (July 25, 2005) – With this summer’s temperatures already at dog-day levels, Chicago-area homeowners can anticipate big cooling bills over the next several months. The Association for Plumbing and Mechanical Excellence offers tips for reducing cooling costs and conserving energy while staying comfortable when the weather heats up.

“Today’s sophisticated air conditioning, heating, humidification and air cleaning systems require more attention than the equipment of years past,” said Tom Bargiel, president, David Thomas Mechanical Inc., St. Charles, Ill. “Seasonal maintenance checkups of air conditioning and heating systems are always a good investment. They keep your equipment running efficiently and emergency service calls to a minimum.

“It is also a good idea to establish a relationship with a reputable contractor, rather than playing yellow pages roulette,” he added.

There are steps homeowners can take themselves to ensure that their air conditioners are working properly:

Check the air filter(s) at least monthly and change or clean as needed. A dirty filter substantially lowers efficiency.

Clear overgrown shrubs and grass from around the outdoor unit and remove dead leaves and debris so that air can circulate properly.

Be sure furniture or draperies are not blocking the cooling and air-return grills inside your home.

You can also substantially reduce demand for energy and cooling within your home by following these suggestions:

Set the thermostat at the highest level at which you are comfortable. For most people, this can be as high as 78 to 80 degrees. Each degree you raise the thermostat reduces energy consumption by about 6 percent.
If no one is at home during the day, set the thermostat high when you leave. Or, you can purchase a programmable thermostat and program it to a higher temperature while you’re gone.
For central air conditioning systems, set the fan switch on the thermostat to “auto” rather than “on.” That way the fan only runs when the condenser runs. This saves considerable energy and money and gives you better cooling and humidity control.
Do not close air vents in unused rooms. Central air conditioning systems are designed to distribute a specific amount of air throughout a home. Closing vents may disturb the balance and operation of the system.
Close the shades or drapes during the day on the sunny sides of the house.
Plant trees and install awnings on the south and west sides of the house. The shade of trees can cool the air around your home as much as three to six degrees. Also, shading an outside air conditioner unit can cut energy consumption by 10 percent.
Keep doors and windows shut when the air conditioning is on.
Use a ceiling fan or portable fan to supplement the air conditioning. A fan can make you feel several degrees cooler and costs very little to operate, so you can set your thermostat higher. Use fans in occupied rooms only.
Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans sparingly.
Cook in the microwave or on the grill instead of on the stove top or in the oven.
Caulk and weather-strip leaky windows and doors, and make sure your home is properly insulated.

Finally, if you suspect your air conditioning system is not working properly, have it checked right away. A unit that is not functioning correctly can cause extremely high bills.

PAMCANI

603 Rogers Street, Suite 2
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Phone (800) 273-5966
Fax (630) 960-5487
Email

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