- Ceiling Fans:
- Using a ceiling fan allows you to raise the thermostat setting by about 4°F without reducing comfort. In moderate climates, ceiling fans can sometimes replace air conditioning altogether.
- Set Your Thermostat Wisely:
- Set your programmable thermostat as high as comfortable in the summer and raise the setpoint when you’re away from home.
- The Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR recommend finding a comfortable indoor temperature during the day and increasing it by 7°F when no one is home. Start with an indoor temperature between 75-78°F during the day.
- Choose a programmable thermostat that is appropriate for your HVAC system and household needs.
- Maintain Your Air Conditioner:
- Clean or replace air conditioner filters once a month or as recommended by your HVAC contractor.
- Efficient Use of Exhaust Fans:
- Turn off kitchen, bath, and other exhaust fans within 20 minutes after use. When replacing these fans, consider high-efficiency, low-noise ENERGY STAR models that can exhaust 50-80 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air.
- Weatherize Your Home:
- Minimize uncontrolled air leakage and slow heat transfer by weatherizing your home. Look for financial resources for home energy efficiency upgrades through local utility programs and federal tax incentives. Check out the ENERGY STAR rebate finder for more information.
- Manage Window Coverings:
- During summer, keep window coverings closed during the day to block the sun’s heat.
- Choose Energy-Efficient Products:
- When buying new cooling equipment, select energy-efficient products like heat pumps. Your contractor should provide energy fact sheets for different models to help you compare energy usage. Look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing new products.
- Consider Heat Pump Systems:
When upgrading HVAC equipment, consider using heat pump systems for their energy efficiency and effectiveness.