Enjoy cool savings with energy efficiency
Cooling accounts for about 20% of home energy bills. Use these tips to cut costs without sacrificing cool comfort.
ENERGY STAR® certified air conditioners
Choose an ENERGY STAR® certified central or room air conditioner when buying or replacing a unit.
Savings: Up to 30% annually
Air conditioning tuneup
Schedule an AC tuneup to improve efficiency and life span. The unit will maintain a more consistent temperature and run less often on hot days.
Savings: Up to 15% annually
Air filter
Clean air filters help furnaces run efficiently and reduce energy use. Check your filter every 30 days, especially during hot summer months. If dirty, replace it if disposable, or clean it if permanent.
Savings: Up to 15% annually
Smart thermostat
Smart and programmable thermostats can save energy by raising air conditioning temperature overnight or when away. Set thermostat to 78 F, then program a 4-degree increase overnight and 8-degree increase when away.
Savings: Up to $180 annually
Indoor heat mitigation
Wait to do heat-generating activities such as cooking and laundry until evening hours. Close drapes and blinds to keep sun out and consider thermal curtains to reduce energy losses by up to 25%.
Savings: Varies
Ceiling fans
Run ceiling fans in counterclockwise direction to create direct breeze and cool wind-chill effect. Turn them off when leaving the room to save energy. Install ENERGY STAR certified fans that offer up to 44% more efficiency than standard models.
Savings: $165 over 10 years
Insulation
Add or upgrade insulation to save energy. A minimum insulating value of R-38 will reduce energy bills and improve comfort. Start with the attic, then consider exterior walls, crawl space or basement.
Savings: Up to $200 annually
Leak sealing
Save energy costs and improve comfort by sealing leaks. A qualified technician can detect leaks or you can find them by visual inspection. Weatherstripping creates tight seals between movable parts such as doors and windows — and is easy to install. Other sealing options include caulk, gaskets for outlets and switches, fireplace draft stoppers and attic door covers.
Savings: Up to 20% annually
