Lower Cooling Costs, Fuel Use
The warm weather is upon for the next five months. For many of us, that means our costs and fuel usage to stay cool will increase markedly. Here are a few ideas to lower your cooling costs and simultaneously reduce your fossil fuel usage:
- Run dishwasher, dryer and all heat producing appliances after sundown.
- Line-dry your clothes to avoid using the dryer all together.
- Plant shade vegetation near your condenser unit.
- Close curtains and blinds during the heat of the day.
- Insulate ductwork in attics, crawlspaces, garages and other unconditioned space.
- Change the air filter on your system regularly and have it maintained annually.
- Install a programmable thermostat that increases the temperature while you are away during the day and on vacation.
- Upgrade to CFL bulbs which generate notably less heat than incandescent bulbs.
- Improving your attic insulation is an effective way to prevent hot air from entering your home. www.energy.gov has some solid information on determining payback from this investment.
- Install an attic fan to make use of the early morning and evening air to air in maintaining a comfortable house temperature without using air conditioning.
Submitted by Helen Bushnell Beets for Earth Stewards Team, May 2013